Hakkim Shah is one of those self-made actors in Malayalam who has worked his way up in the industry through sheer hard work and determination. Whether it is his much-loved role as Vinod in Pranaya Vilasam or his role as Kiran in Jeethu Joseph’s directorial Mirage, which hit theatres recently, the young actor has always caught the attention of filmgoers with his nuanced performances.

However, what’s currently doing the rounds on the internet is an old video of the actor reflecting on the days of struggle when he was trying to make his way into the industry.

In a conversation with The New Indian Express – Express Dialogues, Hakkim Shah recollects days when he literally went without food.

“See, yes, of course, years ago there were days when I literally spent them starving—without food. I mean, back then the mango season used to be a fond period. At that particular time, we would venture out on a Splendor around 2 AM (the bike saves petrol), scout the trees, come back with hands full of mangoes, peel them, and eat them till early morning, mostly along with black tea,” the actor notably said, smiling even while recalling a heart-wrenching chapter of his life.

Speaking further, Hakkim said, “You know, there is a problem with mangoes. You devour them at night, and owing to their sour taste, you wake up even hungrier in the morning.” Recalling another occasion—a memory of a minimal Onam, where it was not about a grand sadhya but just papaya and rice—the actor truly reflected on the struggles of an aspiring actor, yet spoke with grace.

Hard work and perseverance pay off, and Hakkim Shah’s rise to stardom now serves as another example of this universal truth—his efforts and struggles have truly borne fruit, as his film career looks bright with several exciting projects lined up.