Rajeev Govinda Pillai

Rajeev Govinda Pillai is an Indian actor from Malayalam cinema. His acting debut was a lead role in the film City of God directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery where he played one of the protagonists. He has also worked as a dentist, a model, and as a cricketer for Kerala Strikers cricket team in the Celebrity Cricket League.

Being the first Kerala born and bred model to walk the major fashion weeks in India, he is considered as the pioneer in modelling in Kerala. His success in the industry motivated many Kerala youths to take up the career. Being the Captain of Kerala Strikers Cricket team in CCL ,he top scored for the team 7 years of all the 9 years Kerala played.

Early life

Born in a small village called ‘Nannoor’ in a Malayali Nair family from the south of Kerala, he relished the upbringing of a proper village boy. His father worked in Muscat while his mother is a retired high school Sanskrit teacher. After qualifying as a dentist, he quit his job at a hospital in Kerala to pursue an acting career.

Career In 2011, Pillai 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 .

Pillai has played for Kerala Strikers team in the 2012 to 2024 seasons and Mumbai Heroes team in the 2025 season of the Celebrity Cricket League.

He represented Kerala in Celebrity Badminton League as well.

Pillai said in a 2016 interview 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. His workout also involves a healthy and controlled diet. In the gym, he focuses on 45 minutes to 2 hours of weight training to keep his body fat content below 10 per cent.

Awards 2016 – Asiavision Awards – special Jury Award, Oru Muthassi Gadha

Filmography