Shafi (actor)

Indian actor (born 1980)

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Shafi

Born|  (1980-04-06) April 6, 1980 (age 45)

Andhra Pradesh

Nationality| Indian
Alma mater| National School of Drama
Occupation| Actor
Years active| 2002–present
Awards| Nandi Awards
Filmfare Awards South

Mohammed Shafiullah Moinudden, known professionally as Shafi, is an Indian actor primarily recognized for his roles in Telugu cinema. Known for his powerhouse performances in both villainous and supporting roles, Shafi gained widespread acclaim in 2002 for his debut film Khadgam, for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Villain – Telugu. With notable performances in movies like Kamli (directed by K. N. T. Sastry), Chatrapathi (directed by S. S. Rajamouli), and Khaleja (directed by Trivikram Srinivas), he has established himself as a key player in the industry.

## Early Life

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Shafi’s passion for service and community development began early in life. He was actively engaged in various cultural activities, participating in Cultural Scouts, NCC (National Cadet Corps), and NSS (National Service Scheme). These formative experiences helped him develop discipline, leadership, and a strong sense of community responsibility.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Shafi also volunteered at the Center for Rural Youth Development (CRYD) in Achampet, where he worked with rural youth, contributing to social development and empowerment in underprivileged areas. This experience deepened his commitment to social causes and community service.

Shafi later completed his higher education at Sri Venkateswara University in Tirupati and went on to join the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi, one of India’s most prestigious institutions for theatrical training. This solid foundation in both academic and social spheres paved the way for his successful career in the Indian film industry

## Career

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### Debut and breakthrough (2002–2006)

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Shafi’s first film appearance was in Khadgam (2002) as the villain Azhar.[1] Critics praised his debut, and he received the Filmfare Award for Best Villain – Telugu for the role.[2]

After Khadgam, he acted in supporting and negative roles in several Telugu films like Praanam (2003), Run (2004), and Varsham (2004). In 2005, he played a key antagonist in S. S. Rajamouli’s Chatrapathi, winning the Cine Goers Award for Best Supporting Actor.

In 2006, Shafi took his first lead role opposite Nandita Das in Kamli, a Telugu drama directed by K. N. T. Sastry. He played a drunkard coolie, a deeply researched role.[2] The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu.

He also appeared in films like Maayajaalam (2006), Nuvve (2006), Thenavattu (2008, Tamil), and Sindhanai Sei (2009, Tamil).

### Continued success (2007–present)

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Through the late 2000s and 2010s, Shafi worked in major films across languages. He had comedic and supporting roles in Ready (2008) and Khaleja (2010), where his role as Sidhappa won him the Bharathamuni Award for Best Supporting Actor.

He also featured in Dookudu (2011) opposite Mahesh Babu, Julayi (2012), and Balupu (2013). His Tamil works include Katha (2009) and Kutti Pisasu (2010). He appeared in the Hindi film Firaaq (2008) as well.

Media sources credit Shafi with over 50 films and a reputation for versatile acting across Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi.[1]

In 2023, Shafi starred as Thiru in the pan-Indian blockbuster Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire by Prashanth Neel, and will return in Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryanga Parvam.[3]

He also acted in the short film 3:15 AM (2023), directed by Amit Raj Verma, which won Best Thriller at the Los Angeles Film Awards. Shafi was nominated for Best Actor (Short Film) at the Cannes World Film Festival, gaining international recognition.[4][5]

## Personal life

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While Shafi is a public figure, he maintains a relatively private personal life. Details about his family or relationships are not publicly disclosed. However, he is occasionally spotted by fans and paparazzi in public, notably driving a Porsche Panamera, suggesting a taste for high-end automobiles. [6]

Despite being active on social media and appearing at industry events, he keeps a low profile outside of his professional life.

## Filmography

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Year  | Film  | Language  | Role  | Note

|
|
|
|

2002  | Khadgam | Telugu | Azhar  | Debut film
2003  | Praanam | Uma's brother's nephew  |
2004  | Varsham | Kaasi  |
2004  | Run | Hindi |  | Cameo Appearance
2005  | Danger | Telugu  | Gattayya's brother  |
Chhatrapati | Ashok / Akash  |
2006  | Maayajaalam | Chhatrapati  |
Nuvve.. Nuvve... |  |
Kamli | Redya  |
2007  | Dhee |  |
Maharajasri |  |
2008  | Ready | Nagappa  |
Thenavattu | Tamil | Santhosh  |
Bheemaa | Chinna's friend  |
Firaaq | Hindi  | Ghogha  |
2009  | Katha | Telugu  |  |
Current | Shafi  |
Shhh! |  |
Sindhanai Sei | Tamil  | Shankar  |
2010  | Kutti Pisasu | Mandhira Moorthy  | Simultaneously in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada
Cara Majaka | Telugu
Bombat Car | Kannada
Khaleja | Telugu  | Sidhappa  |
Telugammayi |  |
Killer |  |
2011  | Golconda High School | Madhu Babu  |
Wanted | Raja  |
Prema Kavali | Babji  |
Dookudu | Qadir  |
2012  | Julayi | Lala  |
2013  | Balupu | Kaasi  |
Kiss | Murthy  |
Sahasra | Chinappa  |
Baadshah | Baadshah's henchman  |
2014  | Jaihind 2 | Tamil  | Chandru  | Simultaneously in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada
Telugu
Abhimanyu | Kannada
Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham | Telugu  | Journalist Shafi  |
2015  | A Shyam Gopal Varma Film | Shyam Gopal Varma  |
Sher | Chotu  |
Shivam | Mustafa  |
2017  | Mister | Sadasiva Rayalu  |
Yuddham Sharanam | Selvam  |
12-12-1950 | Tamil  |  |
2018  | Hyderabad Love Story | Telugu  |  |
Rangu |  |
2019  | Akshara |  |
Ranahedi | Kannada  |  |
Brochevarevarura | Telugu  | Constable Ashok Kumar  |
2020  | Run | Real Doctor  |
2021  | Drushyam 2 | Janardhan  |
2022  | Godfather | Murugan  |
2023  | Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire | Thiru  |
2024  | Bhoothaddam Bhaskar Narayana | John Philip  |

## References

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1. ^ a b https://www.yovizag.com/telugu-actor-shafi-underrated-performance/
2. ^ a b https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/underrated-performances-of-shafi/articleshow/94615176.cms
3. ^ https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/south-indian-cinema/salaar-part-2-confirmed-101701855063013.html
4. ^ "Attn senior citizens: Here are some tips for quality sleep". 30 August 2023.
5. ^ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/telugu-actor-shafi-earns-nomination-at-cannes-world-film-festival/articleshow/94328724.cms
6. ^ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-Kt-_QLZlyo

## External links

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Shafi at IMDb

Shafi on Instagram