Actor Swarup may not be familiar to the movie goers in Kerala. However, the young actor is quite a popular face for Tamil and Telugu audience, having done some impressive roles. His mother is Tamil Nadu origin and his father hails from Manjeri in Kerala. As a child Swarup moved around places owing to his parents’ government service. The actor was born in Nilambur where his parents were staying at that time. He recalls that he took his first steps in a big house in Kovilakathumuri.
“My memories begin from my father’s ancestral home in Manjeri. There was a huge front courtyard and cows were grown in the spacious backyards. I spent almost 3 years in that house which was quaint and comfortable. It was that house which paved the foundations for my cinema dreams. That ancestral home named Kizhakeyil is no more there. In its place, you would find a huge two-storied house built by one of my cousins. The ancestral home was where I and my cousins used to gather with our friends. We would discuss about cinema, books and international events and I was greatly inspired by it,” recalls the actor.
Pournami
When the actor was five years old, his father built a single storied house with mud-tiled roof which had four bedrooms, a hall, a big kitchen and work area. The family didn’t avail any loan to construct that house. Swarup says that the sturdy house, named Pournami, was built using irul and mahogany wood brought from Nilambur and the floor was made with hard rocks.
The ceiling of that house is done with hurudees blocks and the hard rock floor is paved with elegant athamkudi tiles. Swarup says that his friends often referred to this house as a resort for its stunning features. “My mother has rented out that house without considering my opinion. However, there is truth in what she says too. The house would be damaged if it is left unused. When my father’s colleagues built huge concrete homes by availing loans, he built a comfortable house in the olden style. Though I was unhappy about it when I was a child, I am extremely proud about that house now,” says Swarup.
Swarup was just 15 years old when his father passed away. The actor proudly says that his father didn’t leave his family, mired in debt, when he died. Besides, they got a fair amount of money as well which helped the family survive comfortably. “Though we are still sad about father’s sudden demise, he didn’t leave us in a situation where we had to bow in front of others. I still follow his ideal. I would purchase something only if I have the capability to pay the entire amount. There is no need to show off by availing a huge loan,” notes Swarup.
Xanadu
After his father’s demise, Swarup moved to former minister AC Shanmugadas’ official residence in Thiruvananthapuram. Shanmugadas was his father’s close friend who loved Swarup as his own son. “After my father, the person who inspired me greatly is definitely Sri AC Shanmugadas whom I fondly call Kuttymama. I was able to earn amazing experience of the world while I stayed at that house called Xanadu in Vazhuthakad. I still remember the rooms and the courtyards of the Xanadu bungalow,” explains the actor.
Homes in Ireland
After marriage, Swarup and his wife Smitha Nair settled at a beautiful house called 3 Bramble Court at Tramore near Waterford in Ireland. The house was owned by one Steven Clansey who later became a close friend of the actor. “That house was filled with positive energy. Even today, if I close my eyes and think about it, I can see the entire house. Steven has told me I can stay there whenever I am there. His words alone are enough to make me extremely happy,” says Swarup.
Later Swarup and Smitha shifted to another charming house in Rialto. “The beautiful lake can be viewed from the roof of that house. It is an elegant house which has 2 bedrooms, a hall, kitchen and 2 balconies as well. I have painted the house to suit my interests. After I moved to Chennai for movies, my mother Prema, wife Smitha and son Alok Karthik stay at that house in Ireland. Just like me, my wife too is interested in keeping the house always neat and tidy. Our beautiful abode, at the 27 Grand Canal Court, is exactly like a traditional Malayali household where the lamp is lit everyday and traditional dishes are cooked,” says Swarup with a smile.
The house called Alakapuri where the actor stays in Chennai is a favorite too. Swarup nurtures a special dream which he hopes to fulfill soon. “I wish to build a small house in Kancheepuram without availing a loan. It would be a small house with a maximum area of 1000 sq ft. If that dream comes true, it is good. But I don't wish to land myself in huge debt for that. I would be extremely happy if I have a 1000 sq ft house and an ambassador car,” concludes Swarup.
