Shaam

Biography

Shamshuddin Ibrahim (born 4 April 1977), known professionally as Shaam, is an Indian actor and model who mainly appears in Tamil and Telugu-language films. Starting his career as a professional model, he soon made his acting debut in the film 12B (2001). 

He further appeared in lead roles in films such as Lesa Lesa (2003), Iyarkai (2003), and Ullam Ketkumae (2005). He garnered acclaim for his role in the Telugu film Kick (2009), which earned him the name Kick Shaam. 

Kick enabled Shaam to star in other prominent Telugu films such as Race Gurram (2014). After a hiatus, he returned to Tamil cinema with 6 (2013) and Purampokku Engira Podhuvudamai (2015).

Shamshuddin Ibrahim was born on 4 April 1977 in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, into a Tamil Muslim Rowther family. His father hails from Madurai, while his mother is from Tiruppathur. He grew up in Bengaluru, where he pursued his studies. After completing his B Com, he did modeling through which he hoped to become an actor.

Shaam began his career as a model in Bengaluru, modeling for various ads. Keen on pursuing an acting career, he was vainly searching for acting offers for four years. He auditioned for the lead role in Kadhalar Dhinam (1999) but did not receive the role.

 He then, following the recommendation of his model coordinator Biju Jayadevan, got to meet cinematographer Jeeva, who was planning to make his directorial debut and was on the lookout for a new face for the film's lead role. He was given the role in the film 12B.

 He recollects that during his first meeting with Jeeva, he handed over his portfolio and introduced himself in English, when Jeeva heard him out, and then said, "Repeat what you just said, in Tamil" and Shaam did, and was subsequently signed on the next day after a meeting with producer Vikram Singh.

 The promos of the film were critically praised with Shaam signing on to appear on several projects before 12B was even released.

In 2006, he acted in a love story, Manathodu Mazhaikalam, which was released to negative reviews. He made his Kannada debut in the film Tananam Tananam playing the role of a blind man.

In 2007, post the death of Jeeva, Shaam struggled to succeed in the Tamil film industry.

In 2008, he appeared in the film, Thoondil directed by K. S. Adhiyaman. The next is Inba alongside Sneha in which he played a macho man. These films had no impact at the box office.

After a brief sabbatical in Tamil films, Shaam returned with the long-delayed Tamil film Kaaviyyan in 2019. The film was released to negative reviews. A critic from The Times of India wrote that "The film, however, is sure to disappoint those who even go without any expectation".

 He played a negative role in Naanga Romba Busy (2020) starring Prasanna and Ashwin Kakumanu. Shaam has played the role of Vijay’s brother in Varisu (2023).