Veteran actor Manoj K Jayan, a prominent presence in Malayalam cinema for over three decades, has shared candid insights into how the behaviour of actors within the industry has evolved-particularly with the rise of social media.
A recipient of several honours, including the Kerala State Film Award, Manoj was recently involved in a frank conversation with Saina South Plus, as part of the promotions for his latest film Dheeran, directed by Devadath Shaji. The film features an ensemble cast including Jagadish, Ashokan, Rajesh Madhavan, and Aswathy Manoharan.
Speaking about the transformation he has witnessed over the years, Manoj said, “Since the advent of social media, many actors have started behaving more courteously in public. They’ve realised that people are constantly watching them, and as a result, they try not to lose their temper in public.”
Reflecting on the 1990s, the recalled, “Back then, it wasn’t like it is today. Many would lose their temper, argue, and even resort to verbal abuse if something displeased them.”
However, he acknowledged that things have changed significantly. “Today, there are cameras everywhere. You never know who is filming what and from where. Because of that, most of them are now cautious and well-mannered in public.”
He further observed that this shift in behaviour has occurred relatively recently. “There has been a broader change in the mindset of society as a whole,” he noted.
Interestingly, while Manoj was sharing his views, fellow veterans Jagadish and Ashokan were quick to reiterate that while things have indeed changed, they had always been courteous and made it a point to behave respectfully-both on set and in public.
The anecdote stands as a testament to the high professional ethics and grounded demeanour these revered actors have upheld over the years.
The comments in the interview shed light on the growing influence of social media and the surveillance culture on public behaviour in the film industry, offering a thoughtful perspective on how celebrity conduct has evolved in modern times.