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.

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.

However, Mohanlal's first foray into films didn't prove as lucky. He was offered a small role in Thiranottam (1978) produced by his friends from the Bharath CineGroup. The film was released only in 2005 and in very few screens.

Mohanlal made his onscreen debut with director Fazil's debut venture Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980), playing a villain.

In the next three years, Mohanlal played the antagonist in over 25 films. But that was to change soon. In years to come, he was to be seen as the face of family entertainers, comedies and even offbeat cinema.

Mohanlal made his debut in comedy with 1984's Poochakoru Mookkuthi directed by his friend Priyadarshan. This was also the beginning of a long association that has till date spanned nearly 30 films in three decades.

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.

In 1986, he scored another blockbuster hit as an underworld don in Rajavinte Makan. The film propelled Mohanlal to the status of matinee idol and his dialogue “My phone number is 2255” (yes it was the ‘80s) became a catchphrase for generations.

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.

In 1996, Mohanlal acted in Priyadarshan's Kalapani. The film was a superhit in Malayalam and was appreciated in others where it was dubbed and released.

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.

In 1997, Mohanlal's film Guru was India's official entry in the Best Foreign Film category at the Oscars.

Mohanlal won a National Award for Best Actor for the Indo-French movie Vaanaprastham (1999). The film was also selected for the competitive section at the Cannes Film Festival for that year.

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.

Mohanlal's first Hindi film was Ram Gopal Varma's Company in 2002. He won the IIFA Star Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor for playing Mumbai police commissioner in the film.

Mohanlal resume of acclaimed performances grew with movies such Kirtichakra (2006), Rasathantram (2006) and Paradesi (2007).

Mohanlal made his debut on stage in the Sanskrit play Karnabharam.

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

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.

The actor played the role of a police officer in Priyadarshan's Bollywood action-thriller Tezz which released in 2011.

Though 2012 started with his much awaited Casanova tanking the box office, his other films Grandmaster, Run Baby Run and Karmayodha were hits.

After having a mediocre 2013, Mohanlal striked back with Mr. Fraud in May 2014. The film is a hit. His next release will be Srinath Rajendran's Koothara. This image was posted on Facebook by Kootharamovie

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.