Early Life and Background
Mohanlal Viswanathan, popularly known as Mohanlal, was born on May 21, 1960, in Elanthoor, Pathanamthitta, Kerala. He is the son of Viswanathan Nair and Santhakumari. Mohanlal developed an interest in acting during his school days and pursued his education at Mahatma Gandhi College in Thiruvananthapuram.

Career Beginnings
Mohanlal made his acting debut at the age of 18 with the Malayalam film “Thiranottam” in 1978, although the film faced censorship issues and was released 25 years later. His official screen debut came in 1980 with the film “Manjil Virinja Pookkal,” where he played the antagonist. This role marked the beginning of a prolific career in the Malayalam film industry.

Rise to Stardom
Throughout the 1980s, Mohanlal transitioned from villainous roles to becoming a leading actor. His performance in the 1986 crime drama “Rajavinte Makan” catapulted him to stardom. Over the years, he has starred in numerous successful films, including “Kireedam,” “Bharatham,” “Vanaprastham,” and “Drishyam.”

Awards and Honors
Mohanlal’s contributions to Indian cinema have been widely recognized. He has won five National Film Awards, including two Best Actor awards. He has also received nine Kerala State Film Awards and numerous Filmfare Awards South. In 2001, he was honored with the Padma Shri, and in 2019, he received the Padma Bhushan, India’s fourth and third highest civilian honors, respectively.

Other Ventures
Apart from acting, Mohanlal is a film producer, playback singer, and director. He made his directorial debut with the film “Barroz: Guardian of D’Gama’s Treasure” in 2024. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts through the ViswaSanthi Foundation, which focuses on healthcare and education for the underprivileged.

Personal Life
Mohanlal is married to Suchitra Balaji, and they have two children, Pranav and Vismaya. He holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army, a testament to his diverse talents and contributions.

Legacy
Mohanlal’s career spans over four decades, with more than 400 films to his credit. He is celebrated as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema, known for his versatility and dedication to his craft. His influence extends beyond Malayalam cinema, with notable performances in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films.