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Dileep (actor)

Dileep, born Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan Pillai, is an Indian actor, producer, and playback singer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Dileep, born Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan Pillai, is an Indian actor, producer, and playback singer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He began his career in mimicry and film-assistant roles before becoming a leading comic and mainstream star in the 1990s and 2000s. Public reporting has also linked him to the 2017 Kerala actress assault case.

Early life and career

Dileep was born in Aluva, Kerala, and entered entertainment through mimicry and stage performances. He later worked with filmmaker Kamal and moved into acting, first in smaller roles and then as a lead actor.

Film career

He became popular through commercially successful Malayalam comedies and later acted in a wide range of roles. Available sources describe him as having appeared in well over 100 films.

Other work

In addition to acting, Dileep has worked as a producer and playback singer. Some sources also describe him as a businessman involved in film-related ventures.

Personal life

Dileep married actor Manju Warrier in 1998 and they later divorced in 2015. He married actor Kavya Madhavan in 2016.

News reports have associated Dileep with the 2017 Kerala actress abduction and assault case, including later court proceedings and bail developments. These matters have been widely reported in Indian media.

Key facts

  • Dileep is primarily known for work in Malayalam-language films.
  • He began in mimicry and later worked as an assistant filmmaker before acting in films.
  • His screen name became widely associated with his 1994 film appearance and later lead roles in popular comedies.
  • He has also worked as a producer and playback singer.
  • He was publicly linked in reporting to the 2017 Kerala actress assault case.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Dileep?
Dileep is an Indian actor, producer, and playback singer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema.
What is Dileep’s real name?
His birth name is Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan Pillai.
When was Dileep born?
He was born on 27 October 1967.
What is Dileep known for?
He is known for popular Malayalam films, especially comedy and mainstream roles, as well as producing and singing.
Is Dileep married?
He was married to Manju Warrier from 1998 to 2015 and married Kavya Madhavan in 2016.
Why is Dileep in the news?
He has been widely reported in connection with the 2017 Kerala actress assault case and related court proceedings.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dileep
    Supports: Birth year, profession, Indian actor identity, Malayalam cinema focus
  2. India Today — https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/all-you-need-to-know-about-actor-dileep-1909804-2022-02-07
    Supports: Career origins, marriages, and reporting on the 2017 case
  3. India Today — https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/the-rise-and-fall-of-dileep-1907703-2022-02-02
    Supports: Career overview, film count, and legal controversy
  4. BookMyShow — https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/dileep/591
    Supports: Birth date, occupations, biography, and film career summary
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0226770/
    Supports: Birth date and filmography-related identification