Rajeev Pillai

Rajeev Govinda Pillai (born 18 February 1982) is an Indian film actor from Malayalam cinema. Rajeev rose to stardom with Celebrity Cricket League. His acting debut was in the movie City of God (2011).

Pillai is originally a dentist, the fashion bug bit him while doing his masters in London. After leaving dentistry he left for Mumbai to follow a career in fashion. His successful run in the fashion industry motivated many Kerala youth to take up modelling as he is still considered as one of the pioneers in the industry from Kerala. In 2011 he debuted in movies with Lijo Jose Pellissery's City of God (2011 film) as one of the leads. It was his 32nd audition which eventually gave him success. He represented Kerala Strikers Cricket team in CCL and was the Captain before. Of the six seasons Kerala Strikers played, he top scored five times winning ten "Man of the match" awards and the most coveted best batsman of tournament in 2017. He also represented Kerala twice in Celebrity Badminton League.

Early life
Born in a village called Nannoor in the south of Kerala, Rajeev had the childhood of any village kid. His father worked in Muscat and mother worked as Sanskrit teacher in the school he studied. After finishing his 10th grade from National high school as topper of the school, he moved to NSS Hindu College, Changanassery for his pre degree. He joined Bachelor of Dental Surgery in KVG Dental College, Sullia.

Career
In 2011, Rajeev 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.

Rajeev Pillai has played for Kerala Strikers team in the 2012 and 2013 seasons of the Celebrity Cricket League.

Rajeev's mantra for health is that 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. He underlines the fact that his workout mantra also involves a healthy and controlled diet. Whenever he hits the gym, he focuses on 45 minutes of weight training to keep his body fat content below 10 per cent.

Rajeev's dedication to fitness has resulted in his sculpted physique and chiselled abs, winning him accolades and a considerable fan following. As a result, he has figured in the "Kochi Most Desirable" list published by The Times of India, in their polls for 5 consecutive years, from 2012 to 2016.

Awards

 * Asiavision Awards
 * 2016 – Asiavision Movie Awards - special Jury Award, Oru Muthassi Gadha