Children's movies are probably a less tried genre in Malayalam but child artistes have made their way and have made a lasting impact on movie buffs. Many of our current stars made their debut as child actors before they attained stardom.
On the occasion of Children's Day, Onmanorama takes a look at popular child actors who won hearts of every Malayali.
Baby Shalini
Debut movie: 'Ente Mamattukkuttiyammakku' (1983)
Age at the time of debut: 3
Best scene:
Now: After appearing in highly successful films in Malayalam and Tamil, Shalini got married to actor Ajith. The couple have two children.
Geetu Mohandas
Debut movie: 'Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare' (1986)
Age at the time of debut: 5
Best scene:
Now: After her acting stint, Geetu turned to direction. She married cinematographer Rajeev Ravi and has a daughter with him. Her directorial venture 'Liar's Dice' got international recognition at many film festivals. Currently, she is gearing up for her directorial project 'Moothon' starring Nivin Pauly in the lead.
Baby Shamili
Debut movie: 'Rajanadai' in Tamil and 'Malootty' in Malayalam (1990)
Age at the time of debut: 3
Best scene:
Now: Shamili was last seen in Kunchacko Boban-starrer 'Valleem Thetti Pulleem Thetti' (2016). She also appeared in a couple of Telugu movies.
Manjima
Debut movie: 'Kaliyoonjal' (1997)
Age at the time of debut: 4
Best scene:
Now: After conquering our hearts as child artiste, Manjima returned as heroine of 2015 Nivin Pauly starrer 'Oru Vadakkan Selfie'. The actress is awaiting the release of 'Zam Zam', remake of Kangana Ranaut movie 'Queen'. She is currently shooting for Nivin Pauly-starrer 'Mikhael'.
Arun
Debut movie: 'Olympiyan Anthony Adam' (1999)
Age at the time of debut: 6
Best scene:
Now: Arun Kumar, who started as a child artiste, returned to Mollywood with Vipin Das-directed 'Muthugavu' starring Gokul Suresh in the lead. Currently, Arun is awaiting the release of 'Oru Adaar Love' which also stars Priya Warrier and Roshan.
Sanusha
Debut movie: 'Dada Sahib' (2000)
Age at the time of debut: 5
Best scene:
Now: Sanusha debuted as heroine opposite Dileep in 'Mr. Marumakan'. She was much noted for her roles in 'Kazhcha' and 'Zachariayude Garbhinikal'. Currently, she is pursuing her masters in Sociology.
Pranav Mohanlal
Debut movie: 'Onnaman' (2002)
Age at the time of debut: 12
Best scene:
Now: After assisting in the making of a couple of movies, Pranav turned as hero in the Jeethu Joseph directorial 'Aadhi'. He is currently shooting for 'Irupathiyonnaam Noottaandu' by Arun Gopy. Reportedly, he is also part of 'Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham'.
Nazriya Nazim
Debut movie: 'Palunku' (2006)
Age at the time of debut: 12
Best scene:
Now: After emerging as a successful actress of South India, Nazriya got married to actor Fahadh. She turned a producer with recent movie 'Varathan'. After a break with marriage, she returned to the big screen with 2018 movie 'Koode'. Currently, reports are rife that Nazriya will be seen on screen alongside husband Fahadh in the upcoming Anwar Rasheed movie 'Trance'. The duo were last seen together in 'Bangalore Days'.