Shaji Chen
Born
Kattappana, Idukki, Kerala, India
Occupation(s)Writer, actor

Shaji Chen (also credited as Shaji and Shaji Chennai[1]) is an Indian writer and actor. Shaji's main area of writing is music and cinema related. Shaji writes in Tamil, Malayalam, English languages and acts in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films.

Writing

As a writer he is known for his music and film related write-ups and autobiographical articles. His various articles have published in The Hindu,[2] Times of India, India Today, AV Max, Ananda Vikatan,[3] The Hindu Tamil,[4] Uyirmmai,[5] Kalachuvadu,[6] Theeranadhi, Vikatan Thadam, Kaalam, Kumkumam, Puthiya Thalaimurai, Sunday Indian, Andhimazhai, Padachurul, Bhashaposhini, Mathrubhumi Azhchappathippu, Madhyamam Weekly, Chandrika Weekly, Kalakaumudi, Malayalam Vaarika,[7][8] Mangalam Daily, Mangalam Annual,[9] Deepika Daily and others.

His articles in the series Music Beyond Words were translated to Tamil by Tamil writer Jeyamohan as Sollil Adangaatha Isai. Published in the Tamil literary magazine Uyirmmai, this was a popular column in the Tamil serious literature. Another Tamil writer S. Ramakrishnan has also translated many of Shaji's articles to Tamil. After the first few years of these translations, Shaji started writing directly in Tamil. In 2016 a complete collection of his music-related articles was published by Vikatan Publications.[10][11] In the 2023 Chennai Book Fair an updated and improved collection of his music-related articles published by Discovery Books. Director Mani Ratnam, Director Mysskin, Director Vasanth, Director Seenu Ramasamy, Director Vasanthabalan and Actor composer G. V. Prakash Kumar introduced and endorsed the book.

His column named Paattinappuram (Beyond the Song), was published in the Malayalam weekly Chandrika. His first Book in Malayalam, 'Paattalla Sangeetham', was released[12] by Malayalam publisher Green Books.[13] Many of his Malayalam articles are published in the notable literary magazine of Malayalam, Bhashaposhini[14][15][16] and his article series named Cinema Bhraanthinte Naalpathu Varshangal (40 Years of Cinema Craze) was published therein for one year in 2017–18. Portions from this series were also published as shorter chapters in Malayala Manorama Online.[17] In 2019 October, Matrubhumi Books published this series as a book [18] and it went on to be a best seller[19] in the first week of the publication itself.

As a music critic, Shaji appeared in national dailies such as Times of India, The Hindu, Deccan Chronicle, New Indian Express,[20][21] and others. His monthly column in Tamil 'Cinema Veriyin 40 Aandukal'[22]' was published in Vikatan Thadam Magazine. The last 2 chapters of the same were published in Andhimazhai Magazine. His columns in Tamil, Mullarumbu Marangal in Andhimazhai monthly and Isaiyezhuthu in Uyirmai monthly are well known. In Malayalam, the web magazine Truecopythink publishes most of his writings from 2020.[23]

Shaji has also worked in the advertising industry for many years providing storylines, scripts, jingle lyrics, and translations and he also acted in some advertisements. He has written many advertisement films and ad campaigns.[24][25] He worked for brands such as South Indian Bank,[24] Muthoot Fincorp, Nippo[25]

Bibliography

Title Language
Sollil Adangaatha Isai (Music Beyond Words)[26] Tamil
Isaiyin Thanimai (The Music of Solitude)[27] Tamil
Isaiyin Oliyil (In The Light of Music)[28] Tamil
Isai Thirai Vaazhkai (Music, Movies and Life)[29] Tamil
Shaji Isai Katturaikal Muzhuththokuppu (Shaji Writings on Music Complete Collection)[30] Tamil
Paattalla Sangeetham (Music is not Mere Songs)[31] Malayalam
Cinema Praanthinte 40 Varshangal (40 Years of Cinema Craze)[32] Malayalam
Cinema VeRiyin 40 Aandugal (40 Years of Cinema Craze)[33] Tamil
Thirumbi Paarkaiyil (When I Look Back)[34] Tamil
Shaji Isai Katturaikal Muzhuththokuppu (Improved Edition)[35] Tamil

Acting

In September 2013 Shaji Chen acted in the acclaimed Tamil film Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum[36] (A Wolf and a Lamb) directed by Mysskin, as the pivotal character CBCID Lal. Then he acted in the Tamil film Maan Karate as the boxing coach of the hero, Sivakarthikeyan.[37] Aaranyam[38][39] was his next Tamil film. He made his Malayalam film debut with the Vineeth Sreenivasan film Aby.[40] Thupparivalan[41](Tamil) / Detective (Telugu)/ Dashing Detective (Hindi) directed by Mysskin, Spyder (Telugu &Tamil)[42] directed by A R Murugadoss and Savarakathi written and produced by Mysskin followed. In Thupparivalan he acted as the crucial character ACP Vijayakumar. This film was later dubbed into Telugu as Detective and to Hindi as Dashing Detective. In the film Spyder, he portrayed the role of Intelligence Bureau Head, Mathews. In Savarakathi he played the cameo of a mentally ill person. In Kanne Kalaimaane directed by Seenu Ramasamy he played the role of Bank Manager Mathrubhootham. In Iruttu directed by V. Z. Durai he played the role of a Muslim sage living in a forest graveyard. In Psycho directed by Mysskin he played the part of the father of the heroine acted by Aditi Rao Hydari. In Doctor directed by Nelson Dilipkumar Shaji played a two scene cameo as a distressed metro train driver.[43] In the Vijay starrer movie Beast directed by Nelson Dilipkumar he acted as the scheming Home Minister.[43] In Maamanithan directed by Seenu Ramasamy Shaji acted as the real estate fraudster Mathavan. in Cobra (2022) directed by R. Ajay Gnanamuthu Shaji did the short cameo of the father of one of the heroines played by Mirnalini Ravi. In Raavana Kottam directed by Vikram Sukumaran, Shaji acted as the judicious district collector. Chera[44] (Malayalam) directed by Lijin Jose, Thalaimai Seyalagam[45] directed by Vasanthabalan, Blackmail[46] directed by Mu.Maran, Hitlist[47] directed by SooriKarthik, are some of his forthcoming films.

Filmography

Chat with Chen, The Talk Show

A celebrity chat show (talk show) named Chat with Chen[49] written, directed, and presented by Shaji Chen started on YouTube in October 2023. Produced by Andhimazhai TV,[50] the show started with the interviews of Mysskin, Rajiv Menon, Srinivas (singer), PS Vinothraj, Seenu Ramasamy, Minmini, Joju George[51], G. V. Prakash Kumar and Lijo Mol Jose

In Music Industry

Shaji Chen has worked with Indian and international music companies[52] such as Magnasound, Saregama HMV and others in various capacities such as Artistes & Repertoire Manager, Recording Manager, Marketing Manager and Music Consultant.

Voluntary Work

Shaji Chen is the Trustee in South India for the Salil Chowdhury Foundation of Music formed in the name of the notable composer of Indian popular music.[53] He also represents Ritwik Ghatak Memorial Trust[54] in South India.[55][56] He has also been the Judge of Sujatha Ilakkiya Viruthu, a Tamil literary award instituted in the name of the Tamil writer Sujatha.[57] Shaji Chen is an advocate of informal education for children and the rights of special children.[58] He is also a supporter of sustainable nature farming and native food culture.[59][60]

Personal Life

Shaji Chen was born[52] in Kattappana, Idukki District, Kerala near the Tamil Nadu border. He lives in Chennai with his wife and daughter.[61]

References

  1. ↑ "SHAJI CHENNAI - Buy Malayalam Books Online | Mathrubhumi Books". www.mbibooks.com. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  2. ↑ thrki. "The Hindu : Magazine / People : Flawless harmony in his music". The Hindu.
  3. ↑ "எழுத்தாளர்கள் சிறந்த நடிகர்களாகவே முடியாது!". Vikatan (in Tamil). 3 February 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  4. ↑ "பின்னணிப் பாடகனின் மரணம்". The Hindu Tamil (in Tamil). Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  5. ↑ "உயிர்மை". uyirmmai.blogspot.in. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  6. ↑ "Kalachuvadu | ஷாஜி, உனது ஜாதி?". www.kalachuvadu.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2017. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  7. ↑ "Michael Jackson-Malayalam-Shaji Chennai.pdf | Powered By Box". app.box.com. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  8. ↑ "Express Publications Malayalam Vaarika epaper dated Fri, 5 Sep 14". Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  9. ↑ "Ellavarum Paadukayaanu by Shaji Chennai.pdf | Powered By Box". app.box.com. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  10. ↑ "ஷாஜி இசைக் கட்டுரைகள் முழுத்தொகுப்பு " Buy Tamil book ஷாஜி இசைக் கட்டுரைகள் முழுத்தொகுப்பு online". noolulagam.com. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  11. ↑ "Vikatan Store – Tamil eBooks – Arts, Spiritual, History, Science, Health, Medicine, Stories, Education, Competitive Exams, Finance, etc". Vikatan (in Tamil). Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  12. ↑ "Sreenivas performs at Shaji Chennai's book launch in Kochi". The Times of India. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  13. ↑ "Pattalla sangeetham – Study – Green Books India Pvt Ltd – Publishers of Quality Books in Kerala". greenbooksindia.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2019. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  14. ↑ "Shaji -BP ANNUAL 15 ARTICLE.pdf | Powered By Box". app.box.com. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  15. ↑ "BOB MAL BP FULL.pdf | Powered By Box". app.box.com. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  16. ↑ "Mahendrajaalam by Shaji Chennai from Bhasahposhini .pdf | Powered By Box". app.box.com. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  17. ↑ "CINEMAPIRANTHUKAL". manoramaonline.com. Retrieved 17 January 2018.
  18. ↑ "സിനിമാപ്രാന്തിന്റെ 40 വർഷങ്ങൾ". buybooks.mathrubhumi.com. Retrieved 21 November 2019.
  19. ↑ "Best Sellers - Buy Malayalam Books Online | Mathrubhumi Books". buybooks.mathrubhumi.com. Retrieved 21 November 2019.
  20. ↑ "Clipping of Express Publications – The New Indian Express-Kochi". Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  21. ↑ "All Great Music Is Melancholy". shevlinsebastian.blogspot.in. 16 May 2015. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  22. ↑ "சினிமா வெறியின் 40 ஆண்டுகள் – ஷாஜி | 40 years Cinema – Vikatan Thadam | விகடன் தடம்". vikatan.com/ (in Tamil). 1 July 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  23. ↑ "ഷാജി ചെന്നൈ - Truecopy Think". truecopythink.media. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  24. 1 2 Thoughts naction (17 October 2013), fullfill your dreams, retrieved 6 September 2017
  25. 1 2 Nippo Power (7 February 2017), Nippo torch ad, retrieved 6 September 2017
  26. ↑ ஷாஜி (2007). சொல்லில் அடங்காத இசை (in Tamil). உயிர்மை பதிப்பகம். ISBN 9788189912338.
  27. ↑ "இசையின் தனிமை by ஷாஜி - Shaaji eBook for iPhone". booktrip.info. Archived from the original on 11 September 2017. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  28. ↑ ஷாஜி, Śāji. "Icaiyin̲ oḷiyil / Śāji". nlb.gov.sg.
  29. ↑ "இசை திரை வாழ்க்கை". Panuval Book Store. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  30. ↑ "ஷாஜி இசைக்கட்டுரைகள்". CommonFolks. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  31. ↑ "Pattalla sangeetham – Study – Green Books India Pvt Ltd – Publishers of Quality Books in Kerala". greenbooksindia.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2019. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  32. ↑ "സിനിമാപ്രാന്തിന്റെ 40 വർഷങ്ങൾ". www.mbibooks.com. 25 April 2021. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  33. ↑ "cinema veriyin 40 aandukal". www.discoverybookpalace.com. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  34. ↑ "திரும்பிப் பார்க்கையில்". www.panuval.com. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  35. ↑ "ஷாஜி இசைக் கட்டுரைகள் (முழுத் தொகுப்பு)". www.panuval.com. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  36. ↑ "Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum: Wolf-whistle for Mysskin". The Hindu. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  37. ↑ NAME, YOUR. "Maan Karate – Karate Cost". Karate Choices. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  38. ↑ "Aaranyam Movie Review, Trailer, & Show timings at Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  39. ↑ "Aaranyam Movie Review | Nettv4u.com". nettv4u. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  40. ↑ "ABY Malayalam Movie DVD and VCD Released – Indian Entertainment Portal". indianentertainmentportal.com. 10 April 2017. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  41. ↑ Naveen, Movie (22 May 2017). "Vishal's 'Thupparivalan' story revealed". mykollywood.com. Archived from the original on 5 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  42. ↑ "Spyder Movie Review {2/5}: The writing lets the movie down entirely after a point". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
  43. 1 2 "WATCH : "Beast" Actor Opened About The Question He Asked To Nelson!! - Chennai Memes". Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  44. ↑ Chera - IMDb, retrieved 9 November 2023
  45. ↑ "Thalamai Seyalagam". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  46. ↑ "Night shoot saga: Srikanth's next 'Blackmail'". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  47. ↑ "Gautham Vasudev Menon joins the cast of 'Hitlist'". The Times of India. 11 May 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  48. ↑ Cr, Sharanya. "Sivakarthikeyan-Nelson's Doctor will roll from Dec 6". The Times of India. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  49. ↑ Writer, Staff (6 November 2023). ""படம் செத்திருச்சு சார்!". Andhimazhai (in Tamil). Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  50. ↑ முத்துமாறன் (6 November 2023). "என்னை மாட்டிவிட்டவர் ஏ.ஆர். ரஹ்மான்!". Andhimazhai (in Tamil). Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  51. ↑ "Joju Talks About Nayattu Movie".
  52. 1 2 "Shaji chennai". greenbooksindia.com. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  53. ↑ "Popular songs of 80s bring to life joys of Onam in Chennai". dtNext.in. 4 September 2017. Archived from the original on 8 September 2017. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  54. ↑ "The Times Group". The Times of India. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  55. ↑ "90th Birth Anniversary of Ritwik Ghatak". facebook.com. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  56. ↑ "Bengal remembers Ritwik Ghatak on his 90th Birthday". uniindia.com.
  57. ↑ "தமிழின் முதன்மையான முன்னணி கலை- இலக்கிய, சமூகவியல்". uyirmmai.com. Archived from the original on 26 April 2011. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  58. ↑ "'சமூகத்திலும் மாற்றம் கொண்டு வராமல், கல்வியில் மட்டும் மாற்றம் சாத்தியமில்லை!' #WhatisEducation?". Vikatan (in Tamil). 13 April 2016. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  59. ↑ "Marina Books". www.-img1.marinabooks.com. Archived from the original on 8 September 2017. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  60. ↑ "மூலிகை முன்றில் – மாற்று வாழ்வியலுக்கான ஒன்றுகூடல் (தருமபுரி – 28 பிப்ரவரி 2015)". Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  61. ↑ Maarij (12 March 2020). "Shaji Chen". Super Stars Bio. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
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