Who is Shanavas Shanu?
Shanavas Shanu is an Indian television actor best known for his work in Malayalam serials. He rose to fame through powerful negative and protagonist roles, with standout performances in shows like Kumkumapoovu, Seetha, and Mangalyam. With a television career spanning over a decade, Shanavas has built a loyal fan base for his strong screen presence and intense acting style. In 2025, he became a household name once again after entering Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7.
Field | Details |
Full Name | Shanavas Shanu |
Nickname | Seethendriyam |
Date of Birth | September 14, 1981 |
Age | 43 years (as of 2025) |
Place of Birth | Kozhikode, Kerala, India |
Nationality | Indian |
Religion | Islam |
Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
Profession | Actor, Model |
Known For | Role of Indran in Seetha, Bigg Boss Malayalam 7 |
Years Active | 2000 – Present |
Current Residence | Kochi, Kerala |
Marital Status | Married |
Spouse | Sona Shanavas |
Children | 2 (including daughter Shayana) |
Education | Graduate – NNS College, Malappuram |
Schooling | Not publicly disclosed |
Languages Known | Malayalam, English |
Father’s Name | Not publicly known |
Mother’s Name | Not publicly known |
Siblings | Not publicly known |
Debut Serial | Indraneelam |
Breakthrough Role | Kumkumapoovu, Seetha |
Hobbies | Fitness, Traveling, Reading, Photography |
Favorite Actor | Mohanlal |
Favorite Food | Kerala-style biryani |
Pet Lover | Yes – owns a dog |
Social Media Presence | Instagram, Facebook |
TV Reality Show | Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 (2025) |
Shanavas Shanu Early Life & Education
Born and raised in Manjeri, Malappuram, Kerala, Shanavas spent his early years in a culturally rooted family. He was passionate about acting from a young age and actively participated in school dramas and local stage events.
He pursued his higher education at NNS College, Malappuram, where he earned a degree and further nurtured his interest in performance arts.
Shanavas Shanu Family
Shanavas comes from a traditional Malayali family in northern Kerala. He keeps most of his family life private but is known to be deeply rooted in family values and cultural traditions. His support system has often been credited as a reason for his long-standing career.
Shanavas Shanu Career
Shanavas started his career in the Malayalam entertainment industry as a film actor before shifting to television, where he gained more recognition.
Career Highlights (In Points):
- 2007: Made his debut in the Malayalam film Speed Track.
- 2010: Appeared in the TV serial Indraneelam.
- Breakthrough role as Rudhran in Kumkumapoovu (2011–2014).
- Widely acclaimed as Indran in the hit serial Seetha, he earned the nickname “Seethendriyam.”
- Played the role of Rajeevan in Swayamvaram.
- Other popular serials include:
- Alliyambal
- Mrs. Hitler
- Mangalyam
- Thamarathumbi
- Continued appearing in TV movies and telefilms.
Shanavas Shanu Relationship & Personal Life
Shanavas Shanu is married to Sona, and the couple has two children. Despite being in the limelight, Shanavas has maintained a relatively private personal life. He is known for being a family man, often sharing snippets of his family time on social media.
Shanavas Shanu Controversies
Despite his clean image in the industry, Shanavas was recently embroiled in controversy after entering Bigg Boss Malayalam 7:
- He drew criticism for a comment on co-contestant Gizele Thakral’s outfits, which many viewers found outdated and conservative. Some social media users labeled him “Kulapurushan” (a man with old-school views).
- A verbal disagreement with contestant Aneesh Rehman over the Race Star badge was also highlighted during the show’s early episodes.
While Shanavas addressed the remarks calmly, the incidents triggered heated discussions among fans and the media.
Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7
Shanavas entered Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 in August 2025, joining as one of the most well-known celebrity contestants. His inclusion was widely anticipated due to his TV stardom and seasoned presence.
Inside the house, he:
- Maintained a composed and diplomatic personality.
- Attempted to avoid unnecessary conflicts but stood firm when provoked.
- Emerged as a strategic player, balancing emotions and gameplay.
- Received support for being mature, composed, and articulate.
His journey is being closely watched, and fans are optimistic about his long stay in the game.
Shanavas Shanu Net Worth
Shanavas earns from serials, reality TV, and endorsements.
Source | Estimated Value |
TV Serials | ₹30–40 lakhs/year |
Bigg Boss Appearance | ₹5–8 lakhs (approx) |
Brand Endorsements | Variable |
Net Worth (2025) | ₹3–5 Crore INR (~$400K–600K USD) |
Shanavas Shanu Social Media
Platform | Handle | Activity |
@shanavasactor | Active (posts & reels) | |
Shanavas Shanu | Regular updates | |
Twitter/X | Not officially active | — |
Shanavas Shanu Physical Appearance
Attribute | Detail |
Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
Weight | 78 kg (approx) |
Hair Color | Black |
Eye Color | Black |
Build | Athletic |
Style | Classic + Rugged |
Interesting Facts About Shanavas Shanu
- Nicknamed “Seethendriyam” by fans for his iconic role in the Malayalam serial Seetha.
- He initially started his career in Malayalam cinema before shifting his focus to television.
- Shanavas is known for portraying intense, emotionally layered characters, both positive and negative.
- He has acted in over 15 television serials, becoming a household name in Kerala.
- Despite being a television actor, he commands a massive fan following on social media platforms.
- He is an avid fitness enthusiast and maintains a consistent workout routine.
- Shanavas is known for maintaining a scandal-free personal life, a rarity in showbiz—until his Bigg Boss appearance sparked media buzz.
- He’s been praised for his calm and balanced nature inside the Bigg Boss house, even during controversies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is Shanavas Shanu?
Shanavas Shanu is a well-known Indian television actor, primarily recognized for his roles in Malayalam serials like Seetha, Mangalyam, and Kumkumapoovu. He gained renewed fame through Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7.
Q2. Which was Shanavas Shanu’s debut TV serial?
His television debut was in the serial Indraneelam, but his breakthrough came with Kumkumapoovu.
Q3. What is his most iconic role to date?
Shanavas is best known for playing Indran in Seetha, which earned him massive popularity and the nickname Seethendriyam.
Q4. Is Shanavas Shanu married?
Yes, Shanavas is married to Sona, and they have two children together.
Q5. Did Shanavas Shanu participate in Bigg Boss Malayalam?
Yes, he entered Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 (2025) as a celebrity contestant.
Q6. Was Shanavas involved in any controversy?
Yes, he was mildly criticized for comments on co-contestant Gizele Thakral’s attire and a badge-related conflict with Aneesh Rehman in Bigg Boss 7.
Q7. What is Shanavas Shanu’s educational background?
He graduated from NNS College, Malappuram, though he focused on performance arts and acting post-college.
Q8. Is Shanavas active on social media?
Yes, he’s particularly active on Instagram (@shanavasactor) where he shares family moments, fitness clips, and behind-the-scenes content.
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