Sudev Nair learns to surf in Varkala

Sudev Nair’s physique is a dead giveaway for his athleticism and the actor has spent the lockdown learning some new sporty skills. The Mamangam-actor recently posted some pictures of learning surfing at Varkala beach and said it is something he wants to master now.“I was a national level high jumper, so sports has always been a lifestyle for me. When I got into engineering college, I realised that sport is what gives me most joy and I wanted to pursue it,” he says. But things took an unfortunate turn. Sudev was interested in stunt work and he used to do stunts unsupervised, and he broke his back, ending up with a slipped disc. He went through his post graduation FTII, almost literally lying on his back. He says it was a depressing three years, but you can’t keep a passionate sportsman down for long. While the doctor advised that he get surgery, Sudev read up about his condition and fell back on yoga, and healed himself. “I realised what life could be like without sport and so, when I got well again, I was determined to grab every opportunity to enjoy and push my body,” he says. When the actor, who is shooting for Kannada film Old Monk, decided to take a break in Varkala, he spotted surfing lessons. It was something on his bucket list, along with ice skiing. “I’d gone there with the intention of just relaxing, but then surfing ended up helping me do just that,” says Sudev. And being a good swimmer, he took to it like a fish to water. “It came easily to me, because I think it comes from core control; from my gym and athletic training. After just one class, I was able to get quite good at it,” he explains, adding he wants to get back and perfect his skills.And the local people - who at first couldn’t believe it was the actor - were excited to see him trying out the sport and were cheering him on. Apart from sports, Sudev also wants to polish his dance skills again and get to professional-level dancing.The Mumbai-based actor has Thuramukham, One, and more later Sibi Malayil’s Kotte and Manoj Kana’s Khedda set for release, apart from his new foray into Kannada with 21 Hours and Old Monk.