Bharathchandran from New Delhi: Suresh Gopi from cinema to Union Minister

Suresh Gopi, now a Union Minister, faces a dilemma reminiscent of Kannan Perumalayan in ‘Kaliyattam’. Unlike others who might revel in such a moment, he finds himself in a state of introspection. Gopi, a politician who maintains his acting career amidst peers who often blur the lines between politics and performance, is concerned about the potential consequences of stepping away from his profession, particularly how he would address the complaints and needs of those who seek his help.

Just a week ago, Gopi personally donated Rs 12 lakh for the sex reassignment surgery of transgenders in Kochi. He pledged further support, saying, "If the government's help is delayed, I will give the same amount again."

Suresh Gopi's journey began with his father, Gopinatha Pillai, a film distributor, who aspired for his son to become a civil servant, leading him to send Suresh to Madras for his studies. However, the allure of cinema proved irresistible. His passion for film was nurtured among friends at Kollam's Crown Bakery and Fatima Mata College. In Madras, he landed a role in ‘Niraparaadhi’, thanks to his father's friend, producer Balaji.

Transitioning to Malayalam cinema, Gopi initially played supporting roles, but his striking looks and stature soon drew attention. His breakout came with 'Thalastaanam', where his simmering rage captivated audiences, and the star hero Suresh Gopi was born. Malayalis cheered when his character Bharathchandran IPS famously quipped, "Ormayundo ee mukam (Do you remember this face)?" and declared, "just remember that”,' in English. His talent was further validated with a National Award for ‘Kaliyattam’.

In politics, Gopi endeavored to translate the principles from his films into his public service, striving to be a better politician through his cinematic experiences. Despite this, he has often been misunderstood, viewed through the lens of his acting career. This perception partly explains why he hesitated when offered the role of Union Minister.

After securing a victory in Thrissur, Suresh Gopi has become the first Union Minister from Malayalam cinema, marking a significant milestone.