Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair, popularly known as Mohanlal, is a legendary Indian actor and film producer. With a career spanning over four decades, he has become one of the most celebrated figures in Indian cinema. Known as “The Complete Actor,” Mohanlal has left an indelible mark on the Malayalam film industry and beyond.
This blog explores his life, career, and achievements.
Early Life and Upbringing
Mohanlal was born on May 21, 1960, in Elanthoor, Kerala, into a traditional Hindu family. His father, Viswanathan Nair, was a lawyer and bureaucrat, while his mother, Santhakumari Nair, was a homemaker. Mohanlal grew up in Mudavanmukal, Thiruvananthapuram, where he attended Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School.
From a young age, Mohanlal showed a keen interest in acting. He participated in school dramas and won the Best Actor Award in his sixth grade. He later pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree from Mahatma Gandhi College, Thiruvananthapuram. During his college years, he formed lifelong friendships with like-minded individuals, including director Priyadarshan, which played a pivotal role in his acting career.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair |
| Nickname | Lalettan, Laalu |
| Alternative Names(s) | Universal Star, The Complete Actor |
| Date of Birth | May 21, 1960 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 64 Years |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Birthplace | Elanthoor, Kerala |
| Hometown | Kochi, Kerala |
| Current Address | Kochi, Kerala |
| Education Qualification | BCom from Mahatma Gandhi College |
| Hobbies and Interests | Acting, Singing, Philanthropy |
| Languages Known | Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, English |
| Social Media Profiles link | Facebook , Instagram |
| Wikipedia Profile link | Wikipedia |
| IMDb Profile link | IMDb |
| Website link | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Average |
| Body Measurements (C-W-H) | 42-36-13 inches |
| Height in feet, inches, cm | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight in lbs, kg | 198 lbs (90 kg) |
| Chest | 42 inches |
| Waist | 36 inches |
| Biceps | 13 inches |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Hairstyle | Short |
| Distinctive Features | Charismatic Smile |
| Tattoos | N/A |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Mohanlal married Suchitra Mohanlal on April 28, 1988. Suchitra is the daughter of renowned Tamil film producer K. Balaji. The couple has two children: Pranav Mohanlal, an actor, and Vismaya Mohanlal, an author and martial arts enthusiast.
Mohanlal shares a close bond with his family and often credits them for his success. Despite his busy schedule, he ensures quality time with his loved ones. His family has been a constant source of support throughout his illustrious career.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse – Wife | Suchitra Mohanlal |
| Father | Viswanathan Nair |
| Mother | Santhakumari Nair |
| Children | Pranav Mohanlal, Vismaya Mohanlal |
| Siblings | Pyarelal (Brother) |
| Affairs – Girlfriend(s) | Suchithra Balaji |
| Significant Relationships | Suchithra Balaji |
Rise to Stardom
Mohanlal made his acting debut in the Malayalam film Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980), where he played the antagonist. The film was a massive success and marked the beginning of his journey in Indian cinema. Over the years, Mohanlal transitioned from villainous roles to becoming one of the most versatile actors in the industry.
His breakthrough came with films like Rajavinte Makan (1986), which established him as a leading actor. Mohanlal’s performances in critically acclaimed films such as Kireedam, Bharatham, and Vanaprastham showcased his acting prowess and earned him numerous accolades.
Mohanlal – Selfie
Mohanlal – Debut Film – Manjil Virinja Pookkal
Mohanlal – Successful Film – Drishyam
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Mohanlal’s career is adorned with numerous awards and achievements. Some of his notable highlights include:
- Over 400 films in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu.
- Recipient of 5 National Film Awards, including Best Actor for Bharatham and Vanaprastham.
- Honored with the Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2019) by the Government of India.
- First Indian actor to receive the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army.
- Founder of the ViswaSanthi Foundation, a charitable organization focusing on healthcare and education.
Mohanlal’s dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences have made him a true icon of Indian cinema.
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Actor, Producer |
| Debut Film | Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980) |
| Notable Roles | Rajavinte Makan, Drishyam, Iruvar |
| Recent Films – New Movies | Alone (2023), Barroz (2023) |
| Upcoming Films | Malaikottai Vaaliban (2024), Vrushabha (2024) |
| Popular Television Series | Lal Salam |
| Awards and Achievements | Padma Shri (2001), Padma Bhushan (2019), 5 National Film Awards |
| Endorsements/Brand Collaborations) | N/A |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | ViswaSanthi Foundation |
| Professional Associations | Lieutenant Colonel, Territorial Army |
| Training and Education | BCom from Mahatma Gandhi College |
| Production Company | Pranavam Arts International |
| Box Office Success – Hit Movies | Drishyam, Pulimurugan, Lucifer |
| Critical Acclaim Movies | Kireedam, Bharatham, Vanaprastham |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Financial Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Dollars | $50 Million |
| Per Movie Charges in Dollars | $1-2 Million |
| Per Endorsement Charges in Dollars | N/A |
| Sponsorship Deals | Sports Entertainment |
| Business Ventures | Restaurants, Movie Theaters |
| Investments | Hospital, Short-Term Investments |
| Real Estate Holdings | Kochi Mansion, Burj Khalifa Apartment |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | Watch Collection, Eco-Friendly Amenities |
| Cars Collection | Range Rover, Lamborghini Urus, Toyota Land Cruiser |
Favorite Things, Likes and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Amitabh Bachchan |
| Favorite Actress | Shobana |
| Favorite Film | Drishyam |
| Favorite Music Bands | N/A |
| Favorite Sport | Cricket |
| Favorite Books | N/A |
| Favorite Colour | White |
| Favorite Food | Kerala Cuisine, Seafood |
| Things s/he like | Acting, Singing, Philanthropy |
| Things s/he dislike | N/A |
Top 5 Best Films – Mohanlal
| Film Name | Year of Release | Character Played |
|---|---|---|
| Drishyam | 2013 | Georgekutty |
| Bharatham | 1991 | Gopinathan |
| Vanaprastham | 1999 | Kathakali Artist |
| Rajavinte Makan | 1986 | Vincent Gomez |
| Pulimurugan | 2016 | Murugan |
Controversies – Mohanlal
- Criticism for his honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army.
- Allegations of favoritism in award nominations.
- Controversy surrounding his role in the AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists).
- Criticism for endorsing certain brands.
- Legal issues related to his production ventures.
Interesting Facts – Mohanlal
- Mohanlal is known as the Universal Star and The Complete Actor.
- He is fluent in Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and English.
- Mohanlal has a passion for singing and has lent his voice to several songs in his films.
- He owns a luxurious apartment in the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
- Mohanlal is an avid supporter of martial arts and holds a black belt in Taekwondo.
- He has received honorary doctorates from Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit and University of Calicut.
Mohanlal’s journey from a young boy in Kerala to a legendary actor in Indian cinema is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication, versatility, and ability to connect with audiences have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Whether it is his iconic roles or his philanthropic efforts, Mohanlal continues to leave an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
