In these days of mutimedia and television gameshows, theatre may have taken a back seat in the public perception. But there are individuals even in a busy commercial environment like the UAE who still live and breathe theatre. One such person who has enlivened the Malayalam stage in the emirates for over two decades is Satish C. Menon, a colossus in his own right in terms of stature and the accolades that he has accumulated in his illustrious career.

The achievement is singularly credit worthy because Menon has had to juggle a busy professional career as Accounts Manager at the Marbella Resort in Sharjah and the responsibilities of family life.

Ever modest about his achievements, he credits his family for his success. "My wife Sunanda and kids have been very understanding and supportive. I used to take them with me for endless rehearsals during the weekends in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain," he recalls.

The years of sweat and dedication has not gone unnoticed by an appreciative fan following in the community. Early this year, Menon was bestowed the 'Pravasi Abhinaya Prathiba Award' at a colourful function organised by Thirumuttam at the Sharjah Emirates School.

Indeed ever since he embarked on his theatrical career in the UAE, he has been amassing awards: The Satyan Award from Abu Dhabi in 1987; Best Actor and Best Director Award from Sharjah in 1988; Kottarakkara Award for Best Actor from Abu Dhabi; Best Actor Award from Al Ain Indian Social Centre in 1989; Bharat P.J. Antony Award from Sharjah in 1991.

Among these awards the one that is most significant and close to his heart is the 1991 Abu Dhabi Malayali Samajam drama festival award where the judge was the famed actor and literary personality, Prof. Narendra Prasad. There were 12 plays from various emirates and around 150 actors in the competition. The legendary role of Kunhali Marakkar in the play Puthuppanam Kotta staged by Abu Dhabi Yuva Prathiba, was made memorable by Menon through his inimitable characterisation and dialogue delivery.

Menon has made his presence felt recently in teleserials too. In Manal Nagaram (City of Sand), based on the lives of expat Keralites in the UAE, Menon portrayed the strong character of High Light Maathachan. He was also featured in Chakrangal (The Wheels), another teleserial produced by UAE based Keralites, where he portrayed the role of Vikraman.

Menon's tryst with the world of theatre began over 27 years ago during his college days at the Christ College in Kerala, which he continued during his sojourn in Mumbai. From 1973 to 1978, he built a formidable reputation on the amateur Malayalam stage in Mumbai enacting hundreds of powerful roles.

His theatrical tour de force which marked him out as an actor's actor was the character of Ismail Hassan in Neram Iruttatte (an adaption of Wait Until Dark) directed by Venu, a product of the National School of Drama, Delhi.

He caught the eye of Amol Palekar, the renowned Hindi and Marathi actor-director, for his acting in Ankam.
Documentaries, video films, ad jingles... from villains, character and lead roles – Menon has done it all. A six- footer with a captivating presence and voice, Menon is a director's dream come true. Even while leading an active social life, he believes in keeping fit through regular workouts at the gym and swimming. A person who has achieved a perfect balance between work and his chosen art.

Decades of dedicated effort has not satiated this artiste a wee bit. He is still thirsty for roles and to conquer greater heights –now on the big screen. Offers have come from tinsel town earlier but in the hustle and bustle of expatriate life, Menon has been unable to take it up seriously. Currently he has a role in the Malayalam film Dubai starring Mammootty.

A major role in a major production is all what Menon now needs to achieve stardom –a lucky break where he would not be found wanting at all.