Biography
Mohanlal Vishwanathan Nair, popularly known as Mohanlal, is an Indian actor, producer, and singer celebrated for his versatile and natural performances in Indian cinema. He made his acting debut in the unreleased film Thiranottam (1978), followed by his first released role as the lead antagonist in Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980), marking his onscreen debut.
After playing several antagonistic roles, Mohanlal established himself as a leading actor, portraying a wide range of characters in comedy, action, and other genres. He earned the title of superstar of Malayalam cinema in 1986 with the success of Rajavinte Makan, where he portrayed an underworld don. Mohanlal ventured into film production with the 1990 musical hit His Highness Abdullah and has also appeared in various Tamil and Bollywood films. Notable among these are his performances in Iruvar, directed by Mani Ratnam, and Company, directed by Ram Gopal Varma. Beyond acting and producing, Mohanlal owns businesses in film distribution, restaurants, and packaged spices.
Recognized as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema, Mohanlal is a cultural icon in Kerala, where he was voted the most popular individual in a 2006 online poll by CNN-IBN commemorating the state's 50th anniversary. In 2001, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civilian honor, for his contributions to Indian cinema. He has received four Indian National Film Awards—two for Best Actor, one Special Jury Award for acting, and one Best Film Award as a producer—along with six Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actor. In 2009, he became the first actor to receive the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army of India, and in 2010, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kerala.
73 wins and 12 nominations
