Mammootty is an Indian actor and film producer. Mammootty primarily appears in Malayalam movies. Additionally, he has appeared in works in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and English. He has appeared in more than 400 films throughout the course of his five-decade career. He has won numerous honours, including thirteen Filmfare Awards South, seven Kerala State Film Awards, and three National Film Awards. In 1998, the Indian government gave him the Padma Shri award for his contributions to cinema.

Family and Education

Mammootty’s father’s name is Ismail, and his mother’s name is Fatima. Mammootty’s father operated a wholesale clothing and rice business and was a rice farmer. Mammootty’s mother was a homemaker. Mammootty has two brothers whose names are Imbrahimkutty and Zakariah. Mammootty also has three younger sisters whose names are Ameena Sauda and Shafina. He grew up in a Muslim middle-class household in the village of Chempu near Vaikom in the Kottayam district of the present-day Indian state of Kerala.

Mammootty received his primary education at Government High School in Kulasekharamangalam Kottayam. He attended Government School in Ernakulam after his father relocated the family there in the 1960s. At Sacred Heart College in Thevara, he completed his pre-university coursework. For his education, he went to Maharaja's College in Ernakulam. From Government Law College in Ernakulam, he received an LL.B. degree. He worked as a lawyer in Manjeri for two years.

Career Beginnings and Breakthrough

Mammootty's foray into the world of cinema began with an uncredited role in K. S. Sethumadhavan's 1971 film "Anubhavangal Paalichakal." While he continued his education and pursued a brief legal career, his passion for acting remained strong. His first credited role came in 1973 with the film "Kaalachakram," directed by K. Narayanan.

Mammootty's breakthrough came in 1979 with M.T. Vasudevan Nair's film "Devalokam." His portrayal of a young law student marked a turning point in his career, establishing him as a versatile and promising actor.

Rise to Stardom and Accolades

Throughout the 1980s, Mammootty cemented his position as one of the most sought-after actors in Malayalam cinema. He delivered a string of memorable performances in films such as "Ahimsa" (1981), "Vidheyan" (1987), and "New Delhi" (1987), showcasing his ability to seamlessly transition between diverse roles.

The 1990s marked a golden era for Mammootty, as he continued to expand his repertoire and deliver critically acclaimed performances. His portrayal of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the 1994 biographical film "Ambedkar" earned him widespread recognition and numerous accolades.

Controversies and Social Activism

Mammootty's career has not been without its share of controversies. In 1993, he faced criticism for his role in the film "Mazha Peyyan," which was accused of glorifying violence against women. However, Mammootty has also been a vocal advocate for social causes, using his platform to address issues such as poverty, education, and environmental conservation.

Personal Life

Mammootty married Sulfath Kutty in 1979, and the couple has two children: a daughter, Surumi, and a son, Dulquer Salmaan, who has followed in his father's footsteps and is a successful actor in his own right.

Legacy

Today, Mammootty stands as a towering figure in Indian cinema, having earned the title of "Megastar" for his unparalleled contributions to the Malayalam film industry. With over 400 films to his credit, he has captivated audiences worldwide with his versatility, charisma, and dedication to his craft. Mammootty's legacy extends beyond his cinematic achievements, as he remains a respected and admired figure for his commitment to social causes and his unwavering support for the Malayalam language and culture.