Rajeev Pillai

Rajeev Govinda Pillai is an Indian actor from Malayalam cinema.^[1] His acting debut was a lead role in the film City of God directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery (2011) where he played one of the protagonists. He has also worked as a dentist, a model, and as a cricketer for Kerala Strikers cricket team in the Celebrity Cricket League.

Born in the south of Kerala, Pillai's mother worked as teacher. After qualifying as a dentist, he quit his job at a hospital in Kerala to pursue an acting career.^[2]

In 2011, Pillai made his acting debut as the lead role in the film City of God, which was directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery.

Before making the debut in movies he had a successful run in all the major fashion weeks in India and did model for a few international brands as well. After a stint in the theatre in Mumbai he decided to try his luck in movies .^[3][4][5]

Pillai has played for Kerala Strikers team in the 2012 to 2017 seasons of the Celebrity Cricket League.^[6]

Pillai said in a 2016 interview there are no shortcuts to 'get fit quick', and encourages enthusiasts to take up mixed martial arts (MMA). His fitness regimen involves jiujitsu, capoeira, karate, boxing and CrossFit. His workout also involves a healthy and controlled diet. In the gym, he focuses on 45 minutes to 2 hours of weight training to keep his body fat content below 10 per cent.^[7]

Asiavision Awards

• 2016 – Asiavision Movie Awards – special Jury Award, Oru Muthassi Gadha^[8]