Son of the late actor Thilakan, Shammi Thilakan is one of the more versatile actors in the Malayalam movie industry having nearly 30 years of experience as an actor, and as a dubbing artist. He is the recipient of the State Award for Best Dubbing Artist for lending his voice to Nassar in the movie Gazal in 1993. He also lent his voice for Napoleon in the movie Devasuram.
Shammi Thilakan began his career in 1986, having to work under the shadow of his immensely talented father Thilakan. However, through his quality work and his extremely professional attitude, he has made a name as prominent as his father in the movie industry. His debut was in the 1986 movie directed by K.G. George, Irakal where he performed a supporting role. His acting and skill soon got him noticed and he then began to see a wide variety of roles being offered.
From Jathakam in 1989 to Ottayal Pattalam in 1992, to Thalastaanam and Dhruvam, and Rajakeeyam to Boxer, Sargavasantham, Kaathil Oru Kinnaram to Sulthan Hyderali, Lelam and Bhoopathi Ezhupunna Tharakan & Pathram, Shammi has had over 20 hits in the 1990’s.
His career took a massive boost from the year 2000 onwards, from where he has completed over 42 movies in the nearly 15 years since, with the total number of movies being made being over 70. Some of his other hits include Praja, Phantom, Kasthuriman and Housefull.
In 2013, he was also awarded the TTK Prestige – Vanitha Film Awards for Best Comedian for his roles in Neram and Sringaravelan.
His roles have been varied and interesting, from dark, negative characters that evoke strong emotion, to comedy that usually leaves the audience in stitches. Shammi has truly evolved into a strong and proficient actor stepping out from under his father’s shadow and carving a niche for himself.