A national award-winning Indian actor, filmmaker, producer, distributor, and playback singer, Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair, also known as Mohanlal, predominantly works in Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films.
He was born on 21 May 1960 (66 years old) in Elanthoor, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India.
Fans and co-workers lovingly call him “Lalettan” (meaning Brother Lal in Malayalam). He is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema history.
Mohanlal is known for his acting performance in Dasharatham, Spadikam, Aaram Thamburan, Grandmaster, and Drishyam 3.
Over a film career spanning more than four decades, Mohanlal has won national awards, state awards, the highest honour in Indian cinema and government alike, and an Indian Army rank.
Quick Facts of Mohanlal
| Full Name | Mohanlal Viswanathan |
| Profession | Actor, Host, Filmmaker, Producer, Playback Singer |
| Age | 66 years old |
| Date of Birth | 21 May 1960 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Gemini |
| Birthplace | Elanthoor, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India |
| Current Address | Thiruvananthapuram / Kochi, Kerala, India |
| Gender | Male |
Mohanlal Early Life and Education
Mohanlal Viswanathan was born into a bureaucratic family, and he was named by his maternal uncle, Gopinathan Nair.
He showed an early aptitude for performance arts since childhood.
When he was in the sixth grade, he acted in a school stage play called Computer Boy, where he played the role of a 90-year-old man.
During 1977 and 1978, he was the Kerala state wrestling champion.
Education
Mohanlal completed his school education at GLPS Mudavanmugal.
Then, he moved to the Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School in Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram.
He subsequently graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) degree from Mahatma Gandhi College, Thiruvananthapuram.
| School | Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School |
| Alma Mater | Mahatma Gandhi College, Thiruvananthapuram |
| Highest Qualification | Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) |
Mohanlal Personal Life
Mohanlal has been married to Suchitra Mohanlal (née Balaji) since 1988.
Their Relationship
In the mid-1980s, Suchitra was a huge fan and secret admirer of Mohanlal, sent him letters and flowers.
Her family eventually sent a marriage proposal.
The proposal was initially turned down because the families found their horoscopes incompatible.
Thereafter, they both met through common friends.
So, their friendship blossomed into a romance that led to their eventual love-cum-arranged marriage.
Afterwards, Mohanlal sent letters and cards to Suchitra.
Their Engagement
Suchitra in a traditional green silk saree and Mohanlal in an off-white kurta while exchanging rings.
Their Marriage
They got married on 28 April, 1988 in a ceremony that drew Kerala’s film fraternity.
They celebrated 33 years of marriage and togetherness in April, 2021.
About Wife
Suchitra is the daughter of producer and actor K Balaji.
Suchitra is a film producer in her own right and has been a constant pillar of support through Mohanlal’s career.
Past Relationships
Mohanlal stayed strictly professional with his co-stars. However, rumours of him being romantically involved with the high-end actresses during the 1980s.
His Rumoured Relationship With Karthika (Sunanda Nair)
During her peak in the mid-1980s, rumours circulated about a deep off-screen romance between Mohanlal and Karthika (AKA Sunanda Nair).
However, the premise is that Mohanlal approached her father for marriage and was rejected.
He never confirmed or denied the rumour.
His Rumoured Relationship with Shobana
Rumours circulated that Mohanlal and legendary actress and dancer Shobana shared a real-life romance.
The reason was that they formed one of the most iconic on-screen pairings in Malayalam cinema history (starring in over 50 films together)
In 2022, Shobana shared a rare photo of the film Pakshe shooting.
However, Mohanlal never confirmed or denied the rumour.
Children
The couple has two children: a son, Pranav Mohanlal and a daughter, Vismaya Mohanlal.
He is an actor, director, singer and songwriter in Malayalam cinema.
Pranav won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Child Artist for his performance in the film Punarjani (2003).
He worked as an assistant director for Jeethu Joseph in Papanasam (2015) and Life of Josutty (2015).
Vismaya Mohanlal
Vismaya is a published author and an assistant director.
Her silver-screen acting debut film, Thudakkam, will be released in August 2026.
Family
Mohanlal’s family has deep bureaucratic and film legacy roots.
Father
Mohanlal’s father, Viswanathan Nair, was a bureaucrat and former Law Special Secretary with the Kerala State Government.
He passed away in 2007 at the age of 80 due to an age-old illness.
Mother
His mother, Santhakumari, a homemaker, passed away in 2025 due to neurological disorders.
Brother
His elder brother, Pyarilal, passed away in 2000 due to cardiac arrest.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Wife: Suchitra Mohanlal Rumoured Girlfriends: Karthika, Shobana |
| Children | Son: Pranav Mohanlal Daughter: Vismaya Mohanlal |
| Parents | Father: Viswanathan Nair Mother: Santhakumari |
| Siblings | Elder Brother: Pyarilal |
Mohanlal Career
During his college years, Mohanlal met a group of like-minded friends, including director Priyadarshan, actor Maniyanpilla Raju, and producer G. Suresh Kumar in the late 1970s.
Foundation of Bharath Cine Group and Mrithyunjaya Films (1978)
Together, they formed the Bharath Cine Group and Mrithyunjaya Films. They began shooting a student film called Thiranottam.
This film was Mohanlal’s first acting role, but it was not released for 25 years because it faced censorship problems. Finally, the film was released in 2003.
His Screen Debut in 1980
Nair’s first screen appearance was in 1980 with Manjil Virinja Pookkal, in which he played the antagonist with Poornima Bhagyaraj.
Continuous Villain-Centric Roles Till 1983
In the early 1980s, Mohanlal continued to play negative roles across multiple films.
By 1983, he had appeared as a villain in films like Ahimsa, Dhruvasangamam, Attimari, Dhanya, Oothikachiya Ponnu, Sindoorasandhyakku Mounam, Padayottam, Enikkum Oru Divasam, Enthino Pookunna Pookkal, Aakrosham, Kelkkatha Shabdam, Kolakkomban, Thavalam, Naseema, Visa, Engane Nee Marakkum, and Guru Dakshina.
His First Screen Appearance as a Hero (1984)
His roles in films like Ivide Thudangunnu and Poochakkoru Mookkuthi helped him build an image as a ‘kind and good-hearted hero’.
First Recorded Song (1985)
In 1985, he recorded a song for Onnanam Kunnil Oradi Kunnil, marking his early foray into playback singing.
The song name was Sindooramegham Shringaarakaavyam, which he sang alongside M. G. Sreekumar.
33 Films in 1986
In 1986, Mohanlal experienced a watershed year in his career, appearing in 33 Malayalam films alone.
Nair appeared in award-winning films like T. P. Balagopalan M.A, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam.
In the crime drama Rajavinte Makan, he played the role of underworld don Vincent Gomez, catapulting him to superstar status in Kerala.
In the same year, he starred in Thalavattom as a young man who loses his mind after witnessing his girlfriend’s death.
In 1987, he starred in the comedy film Nadodikkattu opposite Sreenivasan.
The two actors created the beloved Dasan and Vijayan detective duo in sequels Pattanapravesham and Akkare Akkare Akkare.
Nair was also cast in Chithram with Ranjini and Lissy
He appeared in Thoovanathumbikal with actress Sumalatha, which broke Malayalam cinema conventions by portraying the lead man falling in love with a sex worker in 1990.
Mohanlal appeared in Lohithadas’s written role as Sethumadhavan in Kireedam.
His Role Transition From Revenge To Romantic Comedy (1990-1991)
In 1990, he acted in Bharathan’s film Thazhvaram, playing a widower who is looking for revenge.
Next year, Mohanlal starred in the romantic comedy Kilukkam.
In the same year, he produced and starred in a modern-day Ramayana adaptation, Bharatham, with Urvashi and Yaragudipati Venkata Mahalakshmi.
His Cult Classic Role (1993)
In 1993, the cult classic Devaasuram became one of his most celebrated films in Malayali cinema.
Iconic Psychological Thriller (1994)
In 1994, Mohanlal starred as Dr Sunny Joseph in the very hooking psychological thriller Manichitrathazhu opposite Shobana.
His Acting Performance in Mani Ratnam’s blockbuster Iruvar (1996)
He performed in the Mani Ratnam blockbuster Iruvar, a Tamil political film with Aishwarya Rai.
In the same year, in Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njanum, a black comedy, he co-starred with Sreenivasan.
The next year, he was acting in the film Guru along with Kaveri.
His Film Career in the Early 2000s
In the early 2000s, Mohanlal expanded his reach to other film industries.
In 2002, he starred in the Hindi gangster film Company opposite Ajay Devgn and Vivek Oberoi.
In the same year, Mohanlal starred in Vanaprastham alongside renowned actress Suhasini Maniratnam.
He also starred in historic and mythological films like Kazhcha, Narasimham, and Prithviraj.
Nair acted alongside Nithya Menen in the Malayalam drama Aakasha Gopuram (2008).
He appeared with Raai Laxmi in major blockbusters Christian Brothers (2011) and Casanovva (2012).
His Casting in the Crime Thriller Drishyam (2013)
In 2013, he starred in the crime thriller Drishyam, directed by Jeethu Joseph. He was cast opposite Meena Sagar.
The film became one of the biggest blockbusters in Malayalam cinema history and spawned multiple remakes across Indian languages.
Mohanlal acted with Keerthy Suresh in the psychological thriller Geethaanjali(2013).
He shared the screen with Miya George in the comedy-drama Mr. Fraud (2014).
In the same year, Poonam Bajwa acted alongside him in the multi-starrer China Town (2011) and the drama Peruchazhi (2014).
A Telugu Blockbuster in 2016
In 2016, Nair appeared in the Telugu blockbuster and commercially super-successful film Janatha Garage, co-starring Jr. NTR.
First Malayalam film to cross ₹100 crore
He starred in Pulimurugan (2016) with Kamalinee Mukherjee, which became the first Malayalam film to cross ₹100 crore at the box office worldwide.
Nair starred alongside Raashii Khanna in his action-thriller film Villain (2017).
Mohanlal played the lead opposite Priya Anand in the action-thriller Kayamkulam Kochunni (2018).
In the same year, he was cast alongside Sana Althaf in the big-budget fantasy drama Odiyan (2018).
Mohanlal starred in Lucifer, in which he played the political kingpin Stephen Nedumpally with Manju Warrier in 2019.
Sequel of Drishyam (2021)
Mohanlal’s portrayal of Georgekutty was praised as his finest performance in years in Drishyam 2.
First Time He Directed a Children’s Fantasy Film
Nair directed and starred in Barroz: Guardian of Treasures, a 3D fantasy adventure, which was released on 25 December 2024.
His Casting in Legal Drama (2023)
In 2023, he starred in Neru, a courtroom legal drama with Priyamani.
In the same year, he made a special appearance in the Tamil blockbuster Jailer co-starring Rajinikanth.
Lucifer’s Sequel (2025)
Mohanlal starred in L2: Empuraan, the sequel to Lucifer, again with Manju Warrier.
In the same year, he also starred in the thriller Thudarum alongside Vijay Sethupathi and Hridayapoorvam.
Nair also appeared in a Kannada-language pan-India action film Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira alongside Kalyani Priyadarshan.
His 2026 Films
Mohanlal’s biggest film is the espionage action-thriller Patriot with Nayanthara and Kunchacko Boban.
Mohanlal starred in Drishyam 3 again with Meena Sagar, Ansiba Hassan, and Asha Sharath.
Mohanlal Upcoming Film Projects
Nair will be appearing in Khalifa in theatres worldwide from August 20, 2026.
He is also set to appear with Meera Jasmine in Athimanoharam on October 15, 2026.
In December 2026, he is set to appear in Ram, Onnam Sir, Vayanadan Thamban, and L365.
Mohanlal Awards and Achievements
Mohanlal is one of the most decorated actors in Indian cinema history, with awards spanning national, state, and international recognition.
- Best Actor Award: Won for his school stage play called Computer Boy.
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2025): Received India’s highest film honour at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony for his ‘outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema’.
- Padma Bhushan (2019): Awarded India’s third-highest civilian honour by the Government of India for his contribution to Indian cinema.
- Padma Shri (2001): Awarded India’s fourth-highest civilian honour for his contributions to the arts.
- National Film Award for Best Actor (1992): Won for his role as a Carnatic singer in Bharatham (1991).
- National Film Award – Special Jury Mention (1990): Won for his performance as Sethumadhavan in Kireedam (1989).
- National Film Award for Best Actor (2005): Won for Kazhcha (2004), in which he played a lorry driver who adopts an Afghan child.
- National Film Award – Special Jury Award (2017): Won for his performance in Vanaprastham.
- National Film Award for Best Feature Film (as Producer): Won for producing an award-winning film Vanaprastham under Pranavam Arts International.
- Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor (9 times): Won for T. P. Balagopalan M.A. (1986), Kilukkam (1991), Spadikam (1995), and other acclaimed acting performances.
- Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Malayalam (multiple wins): Including wins for Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam (1986), Kireedam (1989), and others.
- Honorary Lieutenant Colonel, Indian Territorial Army (2009): First actor in India to receive this distinction.
- Honorary Doctorate, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (2010): Conferred for contributions to arts and culture.
- Honorary Doctorate, University of Calicut (2018): Conferred for contributions to Indian cinema and society.
- Awards of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA)(2003): Won Best Supporting Actor for the film Company.
- Silver Lotus Award (2000): Won Best Actor for the film Vanaprastham.
- Golden Lotus Award (2000): Won Best Feature Film for the film Vanaprastham.
- Silver Lotus Award (1992): Won Best Actor for the film Bharatham.
- Asianet Film Awards: Won for his best acting performance in Lucifer, Odiyan, Oppam, Drishyam, Ittymaani: Made in China, Kayamkulam Kochunni, Pulimurugan, Red Wine, Spirit, Grandmaster, Run Baby Run, Pranayam, Snehaveedu, Bhramaram, Ividam Swargamanu, Madambi, Hello, Chota Mumbai, Keerthi Chakra, Thanmathra, Udayananu Tharam, and Balettan.
- Kerala State Film Awards: Won for his acting performance in Paradesi, Thanmathra, Vanaprastham, Kaalapani, Spadikam, Ulladakkam, Kilukkam, Abhimanyu, Aryan, Chithram, Vellanakalude Naadu, Ulsavapittennu, Paadha Mudhra, T.P. Balagopalan M.A.
- Kerala Film Critics Association Awards: Won for his excellent acting in films like Paadha Mudhra, Chithram, Bharatham, Ulladakkam, Vanaprastham, Thanmathra, Naran, Akasha Gopuram, Kurukshetra, Pakal Nakshatrangal, Pranayam, Drishyam, Oppam, Odiyan, Hridayapoorvam, Thudarum.
- Filmfare Awards South: Won for his great acting in films like Bhramaram, Paradesi, Thanmathra, Vanaprastham, Spadikam, Pavithram, Devasuram, Paadha Mudhra, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam
- South Indian International Movie Awards: Won for his acting performance in Lucifer, Pulimurugan, Spirit, and Pranayam.
- Nandi Awards (2017): Won for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Janatha Garage
- Asiavision Awards: Won for Pulimurugan, Oppam, Run Baby Run, Spirit, Bhramaram, Madambi, Innathe Chinthavishayam, Kurukshetra, Pakal Nakshatrangal.
- Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards (2010): Won for Best Supporting Actor in Unnaipol Oruvan.
- Vanitha Film Awards: Won for his exceptional acting in films like Lucifer, Ittymaani: Made in China, Odiyan, Oppam, Pulimurugan, Pranayam, Ividam Swargamanu, Bhramaram, Twenty:20, Madambi, Akasha Gopuram, Hello, Chota Mumbai, Thanmathra, and Balettan.
Mohanlal Controversies
Mohanlal has faced a few major controversies throughout his long acting career, ranging from industry scandals to legal and political backlashes.
#MeToo Comments Backlash (2018): In his role as the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), he faced severe criticism for calling the global #MeToo movement a temporary “fashion” trend.
Hema Committee Report & Resignation (2024): Following the release of the Justice Hema Committee report detailing sexual abuse in Malayalam cinema, Mohanlal resigned from his post as AMMA President. Survivors and the public publicly pointed out his past indifferent stance on these issues.
Empuraan Riot Scene Controversy (2025): His film L2: Empuraan faced backlash over scenes depicting historical religious riots and violence against women. Mohanlal formally apologised to the public and confirmed the controversial scenes would be edited out.
Mohanlal Net Worth
Mohanlal’s net worth is approximately ₹427–500 crore ($50 million), and he charges ₹20–25 crore per film.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $50 million (approximately ₹474 crore) |
| Salary (Approx.) | ₹20–25 crore per film |
Mohanlal Height, Weight and Physical Stats
The following are Mohanlal’s physical appearances:
| Height | In centimetres: 173 cm In meters: 1.73 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 8 inches |
| Weight | In kg: 82 kg In lbs: 180 lbs |
| Body Measurements | 42-36-13 |
| Hair Color | Black (greying) |
| Eye Color | Black |
Mohanlal Instagram, Threads, X, Facebook, YouTube
 @mohanlal | |
| Threads |  @mohanlal |
| X |  @Mohanlal |
 @ActorMohanlal | |
| YouTube |  @mohanlalofficial |
| Website |  @thecompleteactor.com |
Interesting Facts about Mohanlal
- Mohanlal’s 1997 film Guru, in which he starred, was India’s official entry to the Oscars and the first Malayalam film ever to receive that distinction.
- Mohanlal founded the ViswaSanthi Foundation in 2015 in honour of his parents.
- He is non-vegetarian.
- Director B. Unnikrishnan is his close maternal relative. His father-in-law is film producer K. Balaji, and his brother-in-law is Suresh Balaje, also a film producer.
- In July 2023, he effortlessly performed a 100 kg deadlift.
- Mohanlal made his mark at the Cannes Film Festival with the highly acclaimed 1999 Indo-French film Vanaprastham. He also received a five-minute standing ovation from the international audience for the film.
- His film Iruvar (1997) was screened at the Belgrade International Film Festival.
- He is the author of 9 Malayalam books.
- Nair appeared on 16 television shows, 7 short films, 7 theatre plays, and 2 radio dramas.
- He has been a narrator in 26 films.
FAQs
Who is Mohanlal?
Mohanlal Viswanathan, known mononymously as Mohanlal, is an Indian host, actor, filmmaker, producer, and playback singer who works predominantly in Malayalam cinema.
How old is Mohanlal?
Mohanlal is 66 years old and was born on 21 May 1960 in Elanthoor, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India.
What was Mohanlal’s first film?
Mohanlal made his acting debut in Thiranottam (1978). However, his first public screen appearance was in Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980).
What awards has Mohanlal received?
Mohanlal has received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2025), Padma Bhushan (2019), and Padma Shri (2001).
Who is Mohanlal’s wife?
Suchitra is Mohanlal’s wife and is the daughter of Malayalam film producer K. Balaji.
What are Mohanlal’s children’s names?
Mohanlal has a son, Pranav Mohanlal, an actor in Malayalam cinema, and a daughter, Vismaya Mohanlal, an author.
What is Mohanlal’s most iconic film?
Mohanlal has many iconic films across genres. Among his most celebrated films is Pulimurugan (2016).
