Sooraj Thelakkad (സൂരജ് തേലക്കാട്), also known as Master Sooraj, is an Indian actor, comedian, mimicry artist, and television presenter born on 4 September 1995 in Thelakkad, Perinthalmanna, Malappuram district, Kerala. He has a condition of dwarfism - standing at approximately 110 cm - and his sister Swathisree is similarly affected. His father Alikkal Mohanan is a collection agent at Vanitha Co-operative Bank and his mother Jyothilakshmi is a homemaker. He had his primary education at Government L.P. School, Thelakkad, and earned his B.Com from St. Mary's College, Puthananghadi. He later completed an M.Com degree. His father, who also enjoyed mimicry, inspired him; Sooraj performed his first mimicry in 5th grade at age 10. He participated in the 52nd Kerala State School Children's Festival (Thrissur, 2011-12) and won A grades in the State Kalolsavam mimicry in 2012 and again in 2013. His breakthrough in entertainment came through Cinema Chirima on Mazhavil Manorama, where he performed alongside the late Kalabhavan Mani, and Comedy Super Nite with Suraj Venjaramoodu. He made his film debut in Charlie (2015, Martin Prakkat). His acting career reached new heights with the title role of the humanoid robot Android Kunjappan in Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 (2019, dir. Ratheesh Poduval) - a role he kept secret for over 45 days, with audiences initially believing a real robot was used. The reveal caused a social media sensation. He also appeared in Oru Adaar Love (2019), Ambili (2019), Dhamaka (2020), and further projects. He obtained a modified car driving licence from the Perinthalmanna RTO after legal modifications were made to accommodate his height. He built a purpose-built house with furniture, shelves, and fixtures sized for him and his sister. In March 2022, he entered Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 4 and was one of its most entertaining contestants. He finished in sixth place at the grand finale on 3 July 2022.
Title role of the robot Android Kunjappan in Ratheesh Poduval's Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 (2019); winning Kerala School State Kalolsavam for mimicry (A grades, 2012 and 2013); Cinema Chirima on Mazhavil Manorama with Kalabhavan Mani; Comedy Super Nite with Suraj Venjaramoodu; finishing as sixth-place finalist on Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 4 (2022).
