‘I would do anything to avoid…’: Kalidas Jayaram on how he entered acting

Kalidas Jayaram, who appears in both Malayalam and Tamil films, has revealed that his acting journey began by chance. Speaking in an interview with Ranjini Haridas on her YouTube channel, the actor said his debut in ‘Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal’ at age six happened when another child actor could not participate.

“My father called from the set and asked if I wanted to do it. I just said yes because I would do anything to avoid going to school,” Kalidas said, laughing as he recalled the moment.

The son of veteran actors Jayaram and Parvathy, Kalidas expressed pride in his father’s recent achievements, particularly his role in Kantara Chapter 2. “He deserves it fully. For someone who works so hard and loves his profession, I’m proud of everything he’s achieved,” he said.

Speaking about his personal life, Kalidas said that marrying Tarini Kalingarayar felt like a natural step. “People often ask why I got married young, but Tarini and I were in a relationship for three to four years. Getting married just felt right,” he said. The couple will tie the knot on December 8 in Guruvayoor. “We were living together for some time before getting married. At first, there were a few no’s, and even our parents weren’t completely okay with it. But deep down, I knew she was the one I wanted to share my life with. She was the first person I ever introduced to my family, so they knew I was serious about her. Eventually, they just fell in love with Tharini too — and she loves them back. It all worked out beautifully.”

Kalidas also credited his parents and sister, Malavika Jayaram, for being his biggest support system. He fondly recalled winning the National Award for Best Child Actor and recieving it from then-President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, sharing how he got the President’s autograph against protocol on the stage.

Speaking about his mother’s constant support, Kalidas said she has always been his biggest cheerleader. “Amma genuinely believes that everything I do is the best,” he shared with a smile, adding that her faith in him has never wavered, no matter the circumstances.

He also revealed how being addressed by his childhood nickname, “Kannan,” by women on set brings him an instant sense of warmth and belonging. “When someone on set — especially older women — calls me Kannan and asks about my life or my family, it immediately feels like home. It’s such a comforting feeling.” he said.

Kalidas, who recently finished shooting Aashakal Aayiram (meaning “One Thousand Wishes”), said the film marks his first Malayalam collaboration with his father since Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum in 2003. Directed by G. Prajith, the film is a family comedy-drama currently in post-production.

He concluded the chat with humour, describing how he struggles to avoid “doom scrolling,” joking that his brain and fingers work against each other as he cycles endlessly between Instagram and YouTube Shorts.

He also spoke about how hurtful social-media reactions can be. “You expect criticism online, but it still leaves you feeling helpless at times,” he said. “When people say unpleasant things about Chakki (Malavika), what am I to do as a brother? If I confront them, that becomes the next news item. Those moments are genuinely hurtful.”

Kalidas made his debut as a lead actor in Malayalam cinema with Poomaram (2018).  His performances on OTT platforms, particularly in Paava Kadhaigal (2020), earned him widespread critical acclaim. In Sudha Kongara’s short film Thangam, part of the anthology, Kalidas portrayed Sathar, a trans woman — a role that was praised for its sensitivity and emotional depth.

He went on to star in Oru Pakka Kathai (2020), directed by Balaji Tharaneetharan, and later took on notable supporting roles in major Tamil action films such as Vikram (2022) and Raayan (2024).