Actor Mohanlal Viswanathan was born in Elanthoor, Kerala, on May 21, 1960. He attended Mahatma Gandhi College and Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School while growing up in Thiruvananthapuram. In addition to acting, he won the 1977 and 1978 Kerala state wrestling championships.
Film career
1978–1985
with 1978, Mohanlal Viswanathan made his film debut with “Thiranottam,” which had a delayed release. He rose to prominence in “Manjil Virinja Pookkal” (1980) as an adversary before playing heroic parts in “Ivide Thudangunnu” (1983). Well-known for his adaptability, he flourished in leading, humorous, and negative parts around the middle of the 1980s.
1986–2000
In the 1980s and early 1990s, Mohanlal worked with well-known directors and played a variety of characters in roles that ranged from love dramas to social satires. His best roles were in “Thalavattom,” “Kireedam,” “Rajavinte Makan,” and “Bharatham,” for which he won national awards. With “Iruvar,” he debuted in Tamil in 1997, and with “Vanaprastham,” he won praise from all over the world in 1999.
2000–2009
“Narasimham,” the highest-grossing Malayalam movie, starred Mohanlal in 2000. So he received accolades for his Bollywood debut in “Company” (2002). Also succeeded when he went back to comedy with “Kilichundan Mampazham” and “Balettan.” He made an impression in the 2005 film “Thanmathra,” when he played an Alzheimer's patient.
2010–2015
Starring in a variety of movies between 2010 and 2015, such as “Janakan,” “Christian Brothers,” “Drishyam,” “Jilla,” and “Loham,” Mohanlal demonstrated his adaptability to a wide range of genres, from comedies to criminal thrillers.
2016–present
A total of ₹378 crore was earned globally by the four films in which Mohanlal appeared in 2016. Malayalam film “Oppam” became the highest-grossing movie of 2016, whereas Telugu hits “Janatha Garage” and “Manamantha” After earning more than ₹100 crore, “Pulimurugan” shattered records to become the highest-grossing Malayalam movie ever. He starred in other big-budget movies in the years that followed, including as “Lucifer,” which brought in over ₹200 crore, and “Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham,” for which he received praise from critics. He made appearances in the films “Drishyam 2” and “Aaraattu” in 2021, “Alone” and “Neru” in 2023, and “Malaikottai Vaaliban” in 2024.
Other projects
In his theatrical career, Mohanlal has acted in plays such as “Karnabharam” and “Chayamukhi.” He started the band Lalisom and has promoted a number of issues as a goodwill representative. Film production, restaurants, and seafood exports are just a few of Mohanlal's economic endeavors. In 2008, he tried an escape artist stunt that was called off because of safety concerns.
In the media
Loved for his adaptability, Mohanlal is also referred to as “Lalettan.” Among his professional achievements were a well-publicized 25th anniversary celebration in 2003 and a major influence on Malayalam film with Mammootty in the 1980s. The landscape of the industry is still being shaped by Mohanlal's devoted fan base and lasting effect, notwithstanding the odd controversy.
Personal life
In 1988, Mohanlal tied the knot with Suchitra, the daughter of Tamil cinema producer K. Balaji. Their two kids are named Pranav and Vismaya. Pranav followed in his father's footsteps and made his acting debut in “Onnaman” (2001). Mohanlal encourages his kids to pursue their goals. He lives in Kochi and has assets in Dubai, Chennai, and Thiruvananthapuram. Mohanlal, who is well-known for his love of music and food, is spiritual. In August 2021, he was granted a golden visa to the United Arab Emirates.
Filmography and discography
With more than 325 films in his career, Mohanlal has acted in over 40 years. He has worked in several regional theaters and produced films under the banners of three production companies. He has also recorded over 31 songs and made appearances in plays and short films. Several seasons of the reality series Bigg Boss have been hosted by Mohanlal.
Accolades
Over the course of his nearly forty-year career, Mohanlal has won nine Kerala State Film Awards, five National Film Awards, and five Filmfare Awards South. In 2001, he was awarded the Padma Shri, and in 2019, the Padma Bhushan. In addition, Mohanlal received an honorary Black belt in Taekwondo in 2012 and is an honorary lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army of India.