The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Actor›Mohanlal
Entertainment • Actor

Mohanlal

Mohanlal is an Indian actor, producer, distributor, playback singer, and television host who works primarily in Malayalam cinema.

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

Mohanlal is an Indian actor, producer, distributor, playback singer, and television host who works primarily in Malayalam cinema. He is one of the most prominent figures in Indian film, with a career spanning more than four decades and roles in over 350 films. He has also received major Indian honours, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023.

Early life and background

Mohanlal was born in Elanthoor, in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, on 21 May 1960. His birth name is Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair.

Acting career

He began film acting with *Manjil Virinja Pookkal* in 1980 and went on to become one of Malayalam cinema’s leading performers. Sources describe him as having acted in more than 350 films over a career of more than four decades.

Recognition and honours

Mohanlal has received major Indian civilian awards, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. Britannica also notes that he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023 in 2025.

Other work and public roles

Beyond acting, he has worked as a producer, distributor, playback singer, and television host. He also holds the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel in the Indian Territorial Army.

Key facts

  • Mohanlal is a leading actor in Malayalam cinema with more than 350 film appearances.
  • He received civilian awards Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
  • He was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023 in 2025.
  • He holds the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel in the Indian Territorial Army.
  • Mohanlal has worked as an actor, producer, distributor, playback singer, and television host.
🍁
Canadian context

Mohanlal is relevant to Canadian readers through the Indian diaspora and global South Asian cinema audiences in Canada, where Malayalam films and Indian film awards receive sustained interest.

Frequently asked questions

What is Mohanlal best known for?
He is best known as a leading actor in Malayalam cinema, with a long career spanning more than four decades and over 350 film appearances.
What is Mohanlal’s full name?
His birth name is Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair.
When was Mohanlal born?
He was born on 21 May 1960.
What was Mohanlal’s film debut?
He made his on-screen debut in *Manjil Virinja Pookkal* (1980).
Which major honours has Mohanlal received?
He has received the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023.
Does Mohanlal have any military connection?
Yes. He holds the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel in the Indian Territorial Army.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mohanlal
    Supports: Birth year, career overview, film debut, film count, prominence in Malayalam cinema, honorary military rank, and Dadasaheb Phalke Award reference.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohanlal
    Supports: Birth name, philanthropic work, and ViswaSanthi Foundation.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohanlal_filmography
    Supports: Primary occupations and film count across languages.