Explore Mohanlal’s incredible journey, an Indian movie actor . Mohanlal’s life is a tapestry of accomplishments, from his childhood in Kerala to his success as an actor, producer, and Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army. Join us as we explore his remarkable career, talents, and lasting impact on film and society.”
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Mohanlal Journey Profile
Mohanlal, also known as Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair, and Lal, popularly referred to by these names.
- Profession: Actor • Voice Cast • Special Roles • Director • Storyteller • Producer
- Born: May 21, 1960
- Birthplace: Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India
- Spouse: Suchitra Mohanlal
- Children: 2
About
Superstar Mohanlal is a renowned actor primarily active in the Malayalam film industry. He has contributed to over 300 films in a career spanning three decades. His powerful performances have earned him titles like the “Complete Actor” and “Universal Star”. Interestingly, his career began by taking on negative roles before he climbed the ladder of stardom. A versatile actor, he excels equally in comedy and serious roles.
He is an accomplished entrepreneur, film distributor, producer, singer, martial artist, wrestler, and theater artist. He has even been honored as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army. He has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards including National Film Awards, Kerala State Film Awards, Filmfare Awards, and the Padma Shri by the Indian government.
Early Life:
Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair was born on May 21, 1960, in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, to Viswanathan Nair and Santhakumari. His father, a former sailor, served as the law secretary of Kerala. He spent his childhood in Mudavanmugal and Thiruvananthapuram. After graduating from Thiruvananthapuram Model School, he studied commerce at Mahatma Gandhi College. His acting talent was recognized early when he received the award for best actor in a school play called “Computer Boy” for playing the role of a 90-year-old man. He was also a keen cricketer during his college days.
Mohanlal’s brother, Pyare Lal, tragically passed away during a military exercise. Priyadarshan, his college friend who is a director, has collaborated with him on many successful films.
Personal Life:
His wife is Suchitra, the daughter of film producer K. Balaji. They have two children, Pranav and Vismaya. The couple got married on April 28, 1988.
Theater Career:
Mohanlal has a passion for theatrical acting. His roles include characters in plays like “Karnavarom”, “Kadhayattam”, “Chayamukhi”, and “The Tempest”. He also lent his voice in the dance ballet “Maya Ravan”.
Movie Career:
Mohanlal’s entry into the movie world happened while he was participating in the National Wrestling Championship in Delhi. His audition dates coincided with the event. The production house Faazil was looking for a new actor to play the role of Narain in their debut film “Manjil Virinja Pookkal”. He chose to attend the audition and never looked back. This romantic film of 1980, where he portrayed a victimized husband, marked his debut and earned him recognition. His first released role was actually in the comedy film “Thiranottam” when he was 18. His next three years saw him act in over 25 films, most of which featured him as an antagonist.
His breakthrough as a protagonist came with the film “Evide Thudangunnu”. Another notable film was the 1984 comedy “Poochakkoru Mookkuthi”, which marked the beginning of his successful collaboration with director Priyadarshan. Their partnership has resulted in over 25 hit films. In 1985, he began his career as a playback singer in the film “Onnanam Kunnil Oradi Kunnil”. In 1986, he established his own production house, Casino Films. In 1986, he was part of 34 films. His performance in the tragicomedy “T.P. Balagopalan M.A.” earned him the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor, making him the youngest recipient of this honor. His roles in crime dramas like “Rajavinte Makan” (1986) and “Irupatham Noottandu” (1987) solidified his position among the top actors of the industry. The tragicomedy “Chithram” (1988) still holds the record for the longest-running single-screen theater film (58 weeks).
In 1989, his role in the film “Kireedam” was acknowledged by the National Awards’ special jury. His production company’s first film received critical acclaim. His role in the film “Bharatham” (1991) won him the National Film Award for Best Actor. In 1997, his spiritually-themed film “Guru” became India’s official entry to the Oscars in the Best Foreign Language Film category, the first Malayalam film to achieve this feat. He then took on the challenging role of a Kathakali artist in the Indo-French film “Vanaprastham”, showcased at Cannes in 1999. His portrayal of a villainous character in the 2000 film “Narasimham” earned praise, and the film became a mega-blockbuster hit.
Summary
Mohanlal’s journey in the entertainment world underscores his unparalleled skills and relentless commitment. Rising from modest origins to attain cinematic greatness, he has enchanted viewers with his diverse performances, production capabilities, and notable contributions across different arenas. With a heritage that stretches over many years and recognitions showcasing his excellence, Mohanlal is a beacon of inspiration for budding talents and an esteemed figure in Indian film. As we applaud his accomplishments, we eagerly await his future endeavors and influence.