Rajeev Govinda Pillai is an Indian actor from Malayalam cinema.[1] His acting debut was a lead role in the film City of God directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery (2011) where he played one of the protagonists. He has also worked as a dentist, a model, and as a cricketer for Kerala Strikers cricket team in the Celebrity Cricket League.

Rajeev Govinda Pillai
Born
Vallamkulam, Kerala, India
Occupation(s)Film actor, model, cricketer, dentist
Years active2009–present

Early life

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Born in the south of Kerala, Pillai's mother worked as teacher. After qualifying as a dentist, he quit his job at a hospital in Kerala to pursue an acting career.[2]

Career

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In 2011, Pillai made his acting debut as the lead role in the film City of God, which was directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery.

Before making the debut in movies he had a successful run in all the major fashion weeks in India and did model for a few international brands as well. After a stint in the theatre in Mumbai he decided to try his luck in movies .[3][4][5]

Pillai has played for Kerala Strikers team in the 2012 to 2017 seasons of the Celebrity Cricket League.[6]

Pillai said in a 2016 interview there are no shortcuts to 'get fit quick', and encourages enthusiasts to take up mixed martial arts (MMA). His fitness regimen involves jiujitsu, capoeira, karate, boxing and CrossFit. His workout also involves a healthy and controlled diet. In the gym, he focuses on 45 minutes to 2 hours of weight training to keep his body fat content below 10 per cent.[7]

Awards

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Asiavision Awards

Filmography

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Year Film Role Language Notes
2011 City of God Sony Vadayattil Malayalam Debuted in a lead role
2011 Bombay March 12 Mushruf Malayalam Guest Appearance
2012 Kaashh Sarath Malayalam
2012 Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal Gogo Hindi
2012 Karma Yodha ACP K. Tony Malayalam
2013 My Fan Ramu Abhiram Malayalam
2013 Oru Yathrayil Malayalam
2013 Thalaivaa Raju Tamil
2013 D Company Sanjay Malayalam Segment "Gangs of Vadakkumnathan"
2013 Second Innings Manu Madhav Malayalam
2014 Yellow Pen Akash Menon Malayalam Short film
2015 Guru Dakshina Hindi
2015 Aambala Pasupathy's son Tamil
2015 Bhaskar The Rascal Commissioner Malayalam Cameo Appearance
2016 Aviyal Garudan Tamil Segment "Eli"
2016 The Legend Malayalam
2016 Oru Muthassi Gadha Milind Malayalam
2017 Nindru Kolvaan/Vyaghara Tamil, Kannada
2017 7 Naatkal Siddharth Raghunath Tamil
2018 Diwanjimoola Grand Prix Gunman PP Shibu Malayalam
2018 Angarajyathe Jimmanmar Malayalam
2018 Who Vinod Bharve Malayalam
2019 Muttayukallanum Mammaliyum Malayalam
2019 Athidi Malayalam Short film
2019 Pathinettam Padi Monty's brother Malayalam Cameo Appearance
2020 Shakeela Arjun Hindi
2021 Bruno Rajeev Hindi Short film
2021 Satyameva Jayate 2 Ballu Hindi
2021 Sumesh and Ramesh Kannan Malayalam
2022 Coffee with Kadhal “Shining Star” Rohan Tamil
2023 Amigos NIA officer Telugu
2023 Lily Rajeev Pillai Telegu
2023 Salmon 3D Firoz Tamil
2023 Hidimbha Boya Telugu
2024 Malaikottai Vaaliban Bodyguard Malayalam
2024 Weapon Solomon Tamil
2024 Petta Rap Guna Tamil

References

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  1. ^ "'തലൈവ'രുടെ കാവലന്‍". Mathrubhumi. Archived from the original on 17 December 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
  2. ^ Francis, Christina. "Sreesanth is not my cousin: Rajeev Pillai". The Times of India.
  3. ^ "Mollywood reluctant to cast me: Rajeev Pillai". The Times of India. 6 September 2011. Archived from the original on 19 April 2012.
  4. ^ "CSB Xclusive! Rajeev Govinda Pillai".
  5. ^ "'Clinical' catwalk". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 28 October 2010.
  6. ^ "Team – Amma Kerala Strikers". Kerala Strikers. Archived from the original on 14 January 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2012.
  7. ^ "Eat, sleep, party, repeat". 22 December 2016.
  8. ^ "Asiavision Movie Awards 2016 Declared!". 14 November 2016.