Bheeman Raghu

Reghu Damodharan (born 6 October 1953), better known by his stage name Bheeman Reghu is an Indian actor and retired police officer. He served as a sub-inspector in the Kerala Police before pursuing a career in cinema. Over the course of more than four decades, he has appeared in over 400 films, primarily in Malayalam cinema. While he is mostly known for his antagonistic roles, he has also taken on comedic roles on occasion. In addition to acting, Reghu has also ventured into politics and film direction.

Raghu contested unsuccessfully in the 2016 Kerala Legislative Assembly election as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Pathanapuram constituency, securing third place. In 2023, Raghu quit BJP and joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM). He made his directorial debut with Chaana (2023).

Early life
Reghu, originally named Reghu Damodharan was born on 6 October 1953 at Puzhavathu, Changanassery in Kottayam district in the former Travancore–Cochin state. He was born to K. P. Damodaran Nair, former Municipal Commissioner, and Thankamma. He has a sister. His early education took place at St. Stephen's School, Pathanapuram. During 1970 – 71, while studying at Sanatana Dharma College in Alappuzha, he was part of the college Weightlifting team. He then went to University College Thiruvananthapuram, where he graduated with Bachelor of Science (BSc). Later, he pursued LLB from Government Law College Thiruvananthapuram.

Career
Reghu was as a sub-inspector in the Kerala Police. He made his debut in a leading role in the Malayalam film Bheeman in 1982, where he portrayed a character who resembled the late actor Jayan. Since then, he has been recognized by the moniker "Bheeman". Following that, he has acted in more than 400 films. He is mostly known for his antagonistic roles, he has appeared in comedic characters in some films.

In 2023, he made his directorial debut with Chaana, starring himself. Written by Aji Aylara, the story centers on a Tamil man hailing from Tenkasi who journeys to Kerala in pursuit of a livelihood as a knife sharpener. The film was released in theatres on 17 March 2023.

Politics
Before 2016, he is an active supporter of Indian National Congress (INC) he campaigned for many Congress candidates in Kerala assembly elections. After joining Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2016,in the 2016 Kerala Legislative Assembly election, he contested unsuccessfully as a candidate of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) from Pathanapuram constituency. He contested against his fellow actors K. B. Ganesh Kumar (Kerala Congress (B), LDF) and Jagadish (Indian National Congress, UDF). He came third with 11,700 votes. In 2023, Raghu quit BJP and joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

Personal life
Bheeman Raghu married Sudha Reghu on 18 January 1978. The couple have three children.