Quick Facts
Biography
Shaji Chen (also credited as Shaji and Shaji Chennai) is a writer and movie actor from South India. Shaji's main area of writing is Music and Cinema related. Shaji writes in Tamil, Malayalam, English languages and acts in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam movies.
Writing
As a writer he is known for his music and movie related write-ups and autobiographical articles. His various articles have published in The Hindu, Times of India, India Today, AV Max, Ananda Vikatan, The Hindu Tamil, Uyirmmai, Kalachuvadu, Theeranadhi, Kaalam, Kumkumam, Puthiya Thalaimurai, Sunday Indian, Andhimazhai, Bhashaposhini, Chandrika Weekly, Kalakaumudi, Malayalam Vaarika, Mangalam Daily, Mangalam Annual, Deepika Daily etc.
His articles in the series Music Beyond Words were translated to Tamil by famous Tamil writer Jeyamohan as Sollil Adangaatha Isai. Published in the Tamil literary magazine Uyirmmai, this was a popular column in the Tamil serious literature. Another famous Tamil writer S. Ramakrishnan too has translated many of Shaji’s articles to Tamil. After the first few years of these translations Shaji started writing directly in Tamil. In 2016 a complete collection of his music related articles published by Vikatan Publications.
His column named Paattinappuram (Beyond the Song), published in the Malayalam weekly Chandrika. His first Book in Malayalam is 'Paattalla Sangeetham' was released by leading Malayalam publisher Green Books. Many of his Malayalam articles are published in the oldest and most prominent literary magazine of Malayalam, Bhasahaposhini and his article series named Cinema Bhraanthinte Naalpathu Varshangal (40 Years of Cinema Craze) is currently published in it.His article on popular Malayalam music composer Devarajan is well discussed in Kerala.As a music critic, Shaji appeared in national dailies like The New Indian Express,etc.
Shaji has also worked in the advertising industry for many years providing story lines, scripts, jingle lyrics and translations and he acted in some advertisements as well. He has written many advertisement films and ad campaigns. He worked for brands like Ford, Saint-Gobain Glass, South Indian Bank, Muthoot Fincorp, Nippo (Actor) etc.
Books Published
| Title | Language |
|---|---|
| Sollil Adangaatha Isai (Music Beyond Words) | Tamil |
| Isaiyin Thanimai (The Music of Solitude) | Tamil |
| Isaiyin Oliyil (In The Light of Music) | Tamil |
| Isai Thirai Vaazhkai (Music, Movies and Life) | Tamil |
| Shaji Isai Katturaikal Muzhuththokuppu (Shaji Writings on Music Complete Collection) | Tamil |
| Paattalla Sangeetham (Music is not Mere Songs) | Malayalam |
Acting
In September 2013 Shaji Chen acted in the highly acclaimed Tamil film Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum (A Wolf and a Lamb) directed by Mysskin, as the pivotal character CBCID Lal. He also acted in the Tamil films named Maan Karate, Aaranyam and Savarakathi. He made his Malayalam film debut with the film Aby. His current films are Thupparivalan (Tamil) directed by Mysskin and Spyder (Telugu &Tamil) directed by A R Murugadoss.
Career in music industry
Shaji has worked with leading Indian and International Music Companies like Magnasound, Saregama HMV etc in various capacities such as Artistes & Repertoire Manager, Recording Manager, Marketing Manager and Music Consultant.
Voluntary work
Shaji is the Trustee in South India for the Salil Chowdhury Foundation of Music formed in the name of legendary composer of Indian Popular music. He also represents Ritwik Ghatak (legendary Bengali film maker) Memorial Trust in South India. He also has been the Judge of Sujatha Ilakkiya Viruthu, a Tamil literary award instituted in the name of the Tamil writer Sujatha. Shaji Chen is an advocate of informal education for children and the rights of special children. He is also a supporter of sustainable nature farming.
Personal life
Shaji was born in Kattappana, Idukki District, Kerala near the Tamil Nadu border. Shaji lives in Chennai, South India with his wife and daughter.