Malayalam cinema megastar Mohanlal has had a majestic career filled with magnificent movies that have made a major impact.
With over 300 films to his name – including record-breaking blockbusters, pathbreakers and critically acclaimed masterpieces – he has been a dominant force since the 1980s.
Known for his natural acting style, the cinema icon has inspired generations, entertained millions and left an indelible mark on the Indian cultural landscape. He celebrates his 65th birthday next Wednesday (21).
Eastern Eye marks the occasion with an A-to-Z exploration of his life, career and impressive legacy.
Manjil Virinja PookkaIMDb
A is for acting debut: The first film Mohanlal worked on was Thiranottam (1978), which he co-produced with close friends. Various issues meant the movie took an astonishing 25 years to release. He made his big screen debut as the lead antagonist in Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980).
B is for bad guy: The newcomer made such a big impact as an antagonist in his 1980 debut that he was cast as a villain in numerous movies over the next few years. The prolific (see P) actor worked in nearly 50 films between 1981 and 1983.
C is for Company: He was introduced to Hindispeaking audiences in the 2002 crime drama Company, playing a senior police officer opposite Ajay Devgn and Vivek Oberoi in the story of warring underworld dons. Despite winning multiple awards and universal critical acclaim, Mohanlal largely stayed away from Bollywood.
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D is for directorial debut: After a prolific acting career (see P), Mohanlal made his directorial debut with Barroz. He also headlined the mega-budget 2024 fantasy adventure. Unfortunately for him, it was a major box-office failure.
E is for Elanthoor: Mohanlal Viswanathan was born in the village of Elanthoor in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala on May 21, 1960. He is the youngest child of Viswanathan Nair, a former bureaucrat and law secretary with the Kerala government. He grew up at his paternal home in Thiruvananthapuram and later earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce.
F is for family: He married Suchitra, daughter of film producer K Balaji, on April 28, 1988. They have two children – Pranav and Vismaya. Pranav appeared in a few films, starting with his debut in Onnaman (2001), which starred his father.
G is for giving back: The star is known for his philanthropic efforts. In 2015, he founded the ViswaSanthi Foundation – named after his parents – to support underprivileged communities in healthcare and education. He has also served as a goodwill ambassador for AIDS awareness.
H is for honours: With over 140 awards to his name, Mohanlal has received five National Awards, nine Kerala State Film Awards and nine Filmfare Awards. He has been conferred with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, India’s fourth and third highest civilian honours. He also holds honorary doctorates and a lieutenant colonel rank in the Indian Territorial Army.
IruvarReddit
I is for Iruvar: Mohanlal’s first non-Malayalam film was the 1997 Tamil drama Iruvar, directed by Mani Ratnam. Based on the life of MG Ramachandran, he played an actor who becomes a politician. The acclaimed film also marked Aishwarya Rai’s debut,s in a double role. The film won several awards.
J is for Janatha Garage: His most successful Telugu film, Janatha Garage, paired him with NTR Jr in a vigilante action drama. It became one of the highest grossing Tollywood releases and won multiple honours, including a National Award for Mohanlal.
Janatha GarageIMDb
K is for Kireedam: He won his first National Award for this 1989 drama, portraying a young man drawn into violence despite noble intentions. The film struck a chord with audiences and was later remade in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil and Kannada.
KireedamIMDb
L is for laughter: Though known for intense roles, Mohanlal has an extensive body of comic work. His first major comic lead was in Poochakkoru Mookkuthi (1984), which launched a long-running collaboration with director Priyadarshan that included more than 40 films. Their hit comedies include Boeing Boeing (1985), Chithram (1988), Vellanakalude Nadu (1988), Kilukkam (1991) and Thenmavin Kombath (1994).
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M is for Mammootty: Rather than being rivals, Mohanlal and fellow Malayalam icon Mammootty share a deep friendship. They have often praised one another and costarred in many films, including 1998 mystery buddy comedy hit Harikrishnans, which had two alternate endings and was the year’s top Malayalam grosser.
N is for name: He was initially named Roshanlal by his maternal uncle Gopinathan Nair, before the family settled on Mohanlal. His father chose not to include the surname ‘Nair’, wishing to avoid caste associations.
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O is for Onnanam Kunnil Oradi Kunnil: Mohanlal sang in this 1985 film – one of several where he lent his voice. Others include Kandu Kandarinju (1985), Spadikam (1995), Chathurangam (2002), Balettan (2003), Run Baby Run (2012) and Odiyan (2018).
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P is for prolific: One of the most in-demand and hardest-working actors in Indian cinema across the past 45 years, he has starred in more than 300 films. In 1986 alone, Mohanlal appeared in 36 Malayalam films, including the hits T. P. Balagopalan M.A. and Rajavinte Makan. This has not only given him a wide variety of works, but also brought in big money for the Malayalam movie industry and enabled him to break box office records several times with movies like Chithram (1988) and Narasimham (2000).
Q is for Qatar: The actor is massively popular in the country and has been a regular visitor, including for the FIFA World Cup to watch matches. There is also an official Qatar fan club dedicated to him. R is for record-breaker: The superstar actor has broken box office records multiple times. His 2025 sequel L2: Empuraan became the highest-grossing Malayalam movie of all time.
R is also for remakes: Mohanlal headlined the mega-hit Malayalam language crime thriller Drishyam in 2013 and its acclaimed sequel in 2021. It has since become the most successfully franchised movie in Indian cinema history, with official remakes in a massive number of languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Sinhala and Chinese. An English language remake was also announced. A third instalment is in production, which will also get remade in multiple languages like the first two.
DrishyamNewsBytes
S is for stage: Mohanlal is one of the few A-list Indian cinema actors to have successfully acted in theatre plays. These stage triumphs have included headlining Sanskrit language play Karnabharam in 2001, which he starred in free of charge, just for the joy of it. In 2003 play Kadhayattam, Mohanlal performed 10 classic characters and situations from Malayalam literature. Mohanlal collaborated with actor Mukesh for the plays Chayamukhi (2008) and Naga (2015).
T is for television: The actor has successfully hosted all six seasons of reality TV show Bigg Boss Malayalam. The seventh season premieres later this year.
U is for Uncle Bun: The actor transformed himself for the 1991 comedy, which was inspired by Hollywood film Uncle Buck (1989), with him taking on the role of the overweight uncle. His other films inspired by Hollywood included 1995 drama Nirnayam, which was loosely based on The Fugitive (1993).
V is for Vanaprastham – The Last Dance:The 1999 Malayalam drama saw Mohanlal win honours including a National, Filmfare and Kerala State Best Actor trophies. He plays a talented dancer from a lower caste who is judged by society and rejected by his father. The acclaimed dance drama received international acclaim and a National Award for best film.
Vanaprastham – The Last DanceIMDb
W is for wealth: One of the wealthiest actors in India, Mohanlal has regularly commanded high fees and secured major brand endorsements and lucrative TV deals. A big-thinking star, he also runs a large number of successful businesses, including restaurants.
X is for X factor: Being one of the hardest-working leading men in India has enabled Mohanlal to build perhaps the widest and most diverse body of work in Indian cinema. His versatility across genres has defined his career and inspired countless others to follow in his giant footsteps.
Y is for younger days: Mohanlal’s first role was as a sixth grader in a stage play called Computer Boy, where he portrayed a 99-year-old man. In his teenage years, during 1977 and 1978, he was also the Kerala state wrestling champion.
Z is for zodiac: Mohanlal is a Gemini. The star sign’s positive traits include being energetic, clever, imaginative, witty, adaptable, curious and intelligent. Geminis also tend to thrive in different environments and have strong communication skills.
BTS star Jungkook has issued a public apology after sparking backlash for wearing a cap with the phrase “Make Tokyo Great Again” during a rehearsal for J-Hope’s concert. The phrase, seen as politically loaded, upset many fans in South Korea, with some calling it offensive and thoughtless.
The singer, who recently completed his mandatory military service, said he was unaware of the slogan’s sensitive background and admitted that he should have been more cautious.
Jungkook of K-pop supergroup BTS at an outdoor sporting facility in Yeoncheon Getty Images
Slogan draws backlash over political and cultural sensitivity
Jungkook was seen in an all-black outfit and the now-controversial cap during rehearsals for the Hope on the Stage concert on Friday in Goyang. The slogan on the cap, “Make Tokyo Great Again,” echoed political phrases linked to Japanese nationalism and was previously used by Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko. Some South Korean fans were quick to point out that the phrase has been associated with anti-Korean sentiments and accused the singer of being “careless.”
The similarity to Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” also added fuel to the fire, as netizens debated the political undertones and the potential implications of a global star wearing such a phrase publicly. Social media lit up with disappointment, with many questioning how Jungkook could overlook such a sensitive issue, especially given the historical tensions between South Korea and Japan.
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Jungkook responds: “No excuse for my carelessness”
The 27-year-old singer responded quickly to the criticism through a heartfelt message on Weverse. “I sincerely apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience caused by the hat I wore during rehearsals. I didn’t realise the historical and political context behind the phrase,” he wrote. “There’s no excuse. I was careless. I’ll make sure to be more thoughtful from now on.”
He also confirmed that the cap was discarded immediately and acknowledged that he had hurt many of his fans unintentionally. The apology was met with mixed reactions. While some appreciated his honesty, others felt the damage had already been done.
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This incident comes just days after Jungkook completed his 18-month military service alongside Jimin. The Hope on the Stage concert marked his return to the spotlight, with all seven BTS members reuniting on stage, drawing cheers from fans. Jungkook had recently released Never Let Go, a song dedicated to fans during BTS’s 11th anniversary.
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With a voice that echoes both the glamour and grit of a bygone era, British singer Aisha Khan is set to take centre stage at London’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club on June 29.
Performing with her acclaimed band The Rajahs, Khan will present a rich cocktail of 1940s and 1950s American roots music, jazz and rhythm and blues – blending timeless classics with her own original songs. Known for her evocative vocals, magnetic stage presence and deep reverence for the great female vocalists of the past, Khan promises a night filled with toe-tapping rhythm and heartfelt emotion.
Ahead of the show, she spoke to Eastern Eye about her lifelong love affair with vintage sounds, the power of live performance, and her inspirations and musical heroes.
What first connected you to music?
There was not just one thing. As a little girl, I was always singing and had no idea why – I just could not help it. I did not come from a musical family. My mum had a couple of Bollywood LPs with Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, and my dad listened to Andy Williams and The Carpenters in the car. Apart from that, there was not much music at home. I watched Top of the Pops as a teenager, but I fell in love with Elvis Presley when I was 13 – that is where my passion for vintage music began.
How would you describe your brand of music? Mostly, I perform authentic 1940s and 1950s American music – blues, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. I sing cover versions, but I also write a lot of original songs in the same style. I have also been developing a new Americana/country project, so the music keeps coming.
What does live performance mean to you? At its best, it means pure connection with the audience – almost a transcendental experience. It does not always happen like that, but subconsciously, I think that is what I am always striving for. I go on stage with songs I love and musicians who are great and always have my back. With that secure foundation, I try to see where the music can take me, and I bring the audience along with me. I love being close to the audience and drawing them into the live experience. It can bring so much energy and joy.
How much are you looking forward to performing at the iconic Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club? We performed our first sell-out show upstairs there last year, but this is our first gig in the main room downstairs. I cannot express what an honour and privilege it is to appear at such a legendary venue. To think we will be on the same stage as so many iconic performers – from Ella Fitzgerald to Miles Davis – is mind-blowing.
What can we expect from the show? We will perform some of our most loved original songs, as well as several from our latest album Seven Shades of Blue, released this spring. We also have the honour of introducing Haylen, an incredible artist from Paris, as our special guest. There will be a lot of toe-tapping and happy vibes.
What do you hope people will take away from your performance – musically or emotionally? I hope they leave with a range of emotions. I want them to feel moved, but also to walk out feeling joyous and uplifted.
What do you most love about the jazz and rhythm and blues of the 1940s and 1950s? There are so many things I love about the music of that era. The musicianship, the danceability – how you just cannot help but move to it. I love the lyrics, the humour and the storytelling. When I was younger, I learned a lot of jazz standards and loved them. But it was only after living life – experiencing love, loss and heartbreak, having children, going through disappointment and great happiness – that I truly connected with those songs. Many of them now bring tears to my eyes, or even ecstasy when I sing or hear them. These are songs that truly stand the test of time.
Do you remember the first time you heard a song from that era that truly moved you? It was when I began listening to jazz in my teens. I idolised Sarah Vaughan and her craft. Then, as I discovered more popular music from the 1940s and 1950s and started dancing, I began to feel it not only emotionally but physically too.
Aisha Khan
Who is your own music hero from that bygone era? Sarah Vaughan, definitely. I also loved Billie Holiday.
If you could duet with any artist from the 1940s or 1950s, who would it be? It would have to be one of the great rhythm and blues vocalists – Wynonie Harris, Louis Jordan or Joe Turner. That would be so much fun.
Which classic songs do you most enjoy performing live? I love rhythm and blues by the many powerful female vocalists of that era – songs like Voodoo Voodoo by LaVern Baker, They Call Me Big Mama by Big Mama Thornton, or Pretty Good Love by Big Maybelle.
What inspires you as an artist? A life lived. Everything I have experienced – from having children to feminism. People, places, books – you never know where inspiration will come from. I also love collaborating with other musicians and singers; you never know what kind of magic might be created.
Why do you love music? The same reason I breathe. It is part of all of us – from the rhythms in nature to the cadence of the languages we learn as children. It can tell great stories and express deep emotions. It has the power to change lives – to comfort those in pain and bring joy to those open to it. I believe it is one of the purest art forms and forms of self-expression. I feel incredibly fortunate to have done this for so many years, and I hope to continue for the rest of my life.
Aisha Khan and The Rajahs at Ronnie Scott’s, 47 Frith Street, London W1D 4HT on Sunday, June 29. www.ronniescotts.co.uk
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Lewis Hamilton served as co-producer and advisor for F1, guiding everything from story to technical racing details
Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula One film, titled F1, owes much of its realism and racing soul to none other than seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. According to director Joseph Kosinski, the film wouldn’t exist in its current form without Hamilton’s hands-on involvement, from the first pitch to the final details.
Kosinski, best known for Top Gun: Maverick, shared that Hamilton was the first person he contacted when the project was just an idea. An email led to a partnership, and Hamilton came on board not only as an executive producer but as a consultant whose lived experience shaped everything from the screenplay to on-track movements.
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Every detail came from someone who’s lived it
Set for global release on 25 June (27 June in North America), F1 was filmed across real Grand Prix weekends with full support from Formula One’s organisers. Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a seasoned driver making a surprise return to the circuit, while Damson Idris stars as his rookie teammate.
Hamilton’s role, however, extended far beyond a name on the credits. He worked closely with the filmmakers to ensure the racing looked and felt accurate, including giving track-specific advice. For instance, he told Kosinski that if Pitt’s character were to pull aside under a blue flag, turn six in Hungary would be the most realistic spot to do so. That level of detail could only come from someone who knows the sport inside out.
Brad Pitt stars as a veteran driver, with scenes shot during actual race weekends for authenticityGetty Images
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer added that Hamilton even corrected gear shifts in the audio during a Silverstone scene, pointing out the sound didn’t match the gear a driver would realistically use in that corner. His obsession with accuracy gave the film its edge.
Beyond the racetrack, Hamilton’s spirit fuels the story
The racing scenes are just one part of the film’s core. Hamilton’s insights also inspired character development. One pivotal moment, where Pitt’s character reflects on the deeper meaning behind his love for racing, was drawn from a real-life conversation with Hamilton about the emotional and spiritual connection drivers have with the sport.
Brad Pitt, Director Joseph Kosinski, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon and Producer Jeremy Kleiner at the fan event for "F1: The Movie" Getty Images
As Formula One looks to expand its global fanbase, especially in the US, F1 aims to build on the success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive. But unlike the docuseries, this film brings together Hollywood storytelling with Hamilton-approved authenticity. And without him, the filmmakers say, this story simply couldn’t be told.
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SRH’s Kavya Maran and Anirudh Ravichander spark fresh buzz
A new rumour is doing the rounds in celebrity and cricket circles. Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Kavya Maran is reportedly set to marry top music composer and singer Anirudh Ravichander. Though there’s been no official word from either camp, talk of the duo planning a wedding has picked up serious steam online.
Anirudh Ravichander performing live Getty Images
A Reddit rumour, a Las Vegas spotting, and a Rajinikanth connection
Whispers of a romance between Kavya and Anirudh first surfaced in early 2024, with a Reddit post claiming the two were dating. The same post claimed that superstar Rajinikanth, who is Anirudh’s uncle by marriage, had spoken to Kavya’s father, media tycoon Kalanithi Maran, about the match. A few netizens also claimed to have seen the two holidaying together in Las Vegas. Despite public denials from Anirudh’s team back then, the buzz never quite died down.
Now, fresh reports claim the couple may have been quietly preparing for a wedding. Online users have once again begun speculating, especially after noticing the two being spotted together more frequently. With Anirudh’s packed music schedule and Kavya’s strong presence during this year’s IPL season, the timing seems curious and perfect for a soft launch into public acceptance.
Who they are: power, legacy, and a lot of fan following
Anirudh Ravichander shot to fame with Why This Kolaveri Di in 2012 and has since become one of Indian cinema’s most bankable composers. From Jawan to Vikram, his music dominates charts across languages. He comes from a family with strong roots in the arts. His father is actor Ravi Raghavendra, his mother a classical dancer, and his aunt is married to Rajinikanth. His great-grandfather was filmmaker K. Subramanyam.
Kavya Maran is the CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad and daughter of Kalanithi Maran, the powerful head of Sun Group. Over the last few years, she has become a fan favourite for her viral expressions during SRH matches. She also handles key parts of Sun Network’s broadcast and music divisions.
Kavya Maran caught on camera smiling in the SRH standsNortheast News
Whether the wedding actually happens remains to be seen. But if true, this high-profile alliance would bring together cricket, cinema, and a whole lot of corporate power, and fans seem more than ready to celebrate.
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Jungkook, RM, and V return from military service as BTS shifts focus from solo journeys to full-group comeback
It’s a moment fans around the world have been waiting for! BTS, the global K-pop sensation, is almost whole again. Six out of seven members of the South Korean boy band have now completed their mandatory military service, setting the stage for what could be the biggest music comeback in recent years.
Thousands of fans from across the globe have already descended on Seoul this week, many attending BTS Festa, an annual celebration marking the group’s anniversary. This year is extra special, as it coincides with the near-completion of the band’s military duties. The final member, SUGA, is set to be discharged on 21 June.
K-pop band BTS's members salute after being discharged from a mandatory military service Getty Images
Fans gather with hope as BTS nears full return
The group hasn’t performed together since their last concert in Busan in 2022. Since then, each member has embarked on solo projects while also fulfilling national duties. Jin and J-Hope were the first to complete their service last year. This week, Jungkook and Jimin exited their base in Yeoncheon to cheering crowds. RM and V followed shortly after, with RM even serenading fans on a saxophone and V promising that the reunion was just around the corner.
HYBE’s headquarters in Seoul is now wrapped in a massive banner reading “WE ARE BACK”, reflecting the excitement around the group’s 12th anniversary and the anticipation of their long-awaited comeback. Fans, like Karla Linan from Mexico and Ayla O’Ryan from Scotland, have travelled far just to be part of the celebration, hoping to catch even a glimpse of the stars.
Fans from around the world gather in Seoul for BTS Festa celebrationsGetty Images
India’s BTS ARMY ready for a concert of a lifetime
Back in India, the ARMY is equally thrilled. The country was originally included in BTS' 2020 tour plans, which were shelved due to the pandemic. But fans haven’t stopped streaming, supporting, and waiting. With India now ranked among BTS’ top international markets, the buzz around a possible tour date is growing louder.
The success of Coldplay’s India tour in 2025 proved the massive scale and impact a global act can have. Coldplay’s Ahmedabad leg alone brought in over £37 million (₹392 crore) to the local economy. Industry insiders believe that BTS, arguably an even bigger draw, could surpass those figures if they announce an Indian date.
J-Hope, Jin, and other BTS members gear up for reunion, as solo eras give way to group plansGetty Images
With new music and a world tour expected in 2026, the stage is being set. For fans across the world and especially in India, BTS isn’t just returning. They’re about to make history again.