Sanoop Santhosh still remembers the day the 2013 Kerala State film awards were announced. “Journalists had come to see me, I was so tense that I stayed in the prayer room till the results came out. The moment I knew I had won, I started jumping all around,” recalled the 12-year-old award winning actor from Kannur. He had procured the award for his stupendous performance as Ryan Philip in the film Philips and the Monkey Pen. Excerpts from an interview:
How do you manage your studies with acting?
The Sreepuram English Medium school I study in, supports me a great deal in my acting pursuits. My Principal, teachers, friends...all of them encourage and appreciate my work. Then there’s Latha ma’am, my tuition teacher, who is the reason I could afford to take so many days of leave, and still keep a check on my studies.
Do you miss your friends when you’re away shooting?
I always miss my school friends while I’m away shooting. It is a little sad when I have to leave my school and friends for long periods of time, but I am very lucky to have had all these opportunities.
How was your experience acting with Mammootty?
I was really lucky to act with Mammookka. He was very friendly throughout the shooting. I thank God for the chance I got to act with him.
Are you still in touch with the cast and crew of Philips and the Monkey Pen?
Yes, I am very much in touch with the crew of the film. Whenever I am in Cochin, I hang out with them. I have a great bond with the team as we had done both Philips and the Monkey Pen and Jo and the Boy together.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love outdoor games. Though I play cricket and football, I like cricket better.
Which film are you working on right now?
Right now I am working on a film named Kuttikale Sookshikkuka, but that’s only a working title. I am acting with Anoop Menon and Bhavana. Both of them are really fun people to be around on set. An interesting thing about this film is that my sister, Sanusha had earlier acted as Anoopeettan’s daughter and now I am acting as his son!
Who is your favourite icon in the film industry?
I like Amitabh (Bachchan) sir a lot, his performances are great. I also like Kamal Haasan sir. And I obviously love Mammootty and Mohanlal like any other Malayali.
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