Mohanlal, Colossus of Cinema, is 54 Today
Mohanlal, a giant of Malayalam cinema is still raring to go at 54. The actor, whose career spans 30 years, is known for hits such as NadodiKaatu,Devasuram, Kaalapani, Narasimham and Thanmatra.
Here's a look at his life and times as he turns a year older.
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Mohanlal, a giant of Malayalam cinema is still raring to go at 54. The actor, whose career spans 30 years, is known for hits such as NadodiKaatu, Devasuram, Kaalapani, Narasimham and Thanmatra.
Here's a look at his life and times as he turns a year older. -
Mohanlal was born on May 21, 1960 in Pathanamthitta, Kerala. His father was an officer in the state government secretariat who went on to became the Law Secretary of Kerala. Mohanlal was raised in Thiruvananthapuram and studied at Model School there.
The young Mohanlal began acting in school. In the sixth grade - and competing with 10th graders - he was selected as the best actor. -
Mohanlal received his first Kerala State Award for Best Actor for T.P.Balagopalan M.A, directed by Sathyan Anthikad. The film's screenplay was written by Sreenivasan. This was another relationship which grew with time. Sreenivasan and Mohanlal have acted together in multiple super hits too.
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The ‘90s, often dubbed as the golden era of Malayalam cinema, witnessed Mohanlal portraying challenging characters and breaking many stereotypes in films. Among Mohanlal's most successful films of this decade is Devasuram, written by Ranjith and directed by I V Sasi. The film is considered one of his best performances till date.
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During these years, Mohanlal also stepped out of the Malayalam film industry. His first non-Malayalam movie was the Tamil film Iruvar (1997), directed by Mani Ratnam. His character was based on Tamil superstar MG Ramchandran while debutant actress Aishwarya Rai played his wife.
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In the next decade Mohanlal continued his winning performances. In the year 2000, he starred in Narasimham, which became Malayalam cinema's biggest hit till then. The film's dialogue “ Nee Poo Mone Dinesha” became synonymous with Mohanlal's matinee idol persona forever.
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In 2009, he received the honorary title of Lieutenant Colonel from the Indian Territorial Army. He was the first actor to be given such an honour. The title was a celebration of his performances as an army officer in numerous films which encouraged the youth to join the army. Image PTI
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2011 was a good year for Mohanlal. Christian Brothers, his first release in 2011 became the highest grossing Malayalam film in that year. His other releases the same year - China Town, Pranayam, Snehaveedu and Oru Marubhoomikkadha also did well at the box ofice.
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In his 34-year career, he has acted in over 300 Malayalam films, four Tamil films and four Bollywood films. Apart from acting he has also dabbled in playback singing and other business ventures.
Here's wishing Mohanlal a very happy birthday and a successful year ahead.