Saturday, November 8, 2025

10:51 PM

Saniya Iyappan Biography

 


🎬 Actress: Saniya Iyappan

Birthday: April 20
Place of Birth: Kochi, Kerala, India
Hometown: Kochi
College: Alphonsa Public School, Kerala
First Break: Malayalam film Queen (2018) as the lead
Sun Sign: Aries


🌟 Quickfire with Saniya Iyappan

High point of your life: When Lucifer released — sharing screen space with Mohanlal sir was surreal!

Low point of your life: The early struggle to be taken seriously beyond being a dancer — but it only made me stronger.

Currently I am: Juggling films, web series, and dance projects — and loving every bit of the creative chaos!

If you were the editor of a magazine for a day, whom would you put on the cover?
Madhuri Dixit — she’s the reason I fell in love with dance and cinema.

Your favourite Malayalam slang: “Enthokke unda news?” — (What’s up?) It always starts a fun conversation!

Your favourite travel hotspot in India: Munnar — it’s peaceful and close to home, my escape spot.

A dish to die for: Malabar biryani — especially when it’s made by my mom!

A song you can’t stop humming: Uyire from Bombay — timeless and full of emotion.

Which classic would you have chosen as your debut?
Bharatham — such deep emotions and music that stays with you forever.

What was the toughest part about your journey?
Transitioning from a TV dancer to a film actor — people doubted me, but hard work speaks louder than opinions.


💫 Style & Soul

Three things you would do if you could:

  1. Open a dance academy in Kochi.

  2. Learn aerial silk dance professionally.

  3. Produce a youth-oriented film about dreams and self-belief.

A fashion trend you wish would make a comeback: 2000s denim jackets and chunky sneakers — pure retro comfort!

Your favourite piece of jewellery: Silver hoops — minimal and chic.

Do you believe fairness creams work?
No — I believe in skincare, not skin shade.

Three cosmetics you can’t do without:
Lip gloss, highlighter, and mascara.

Your favourite cuisine:
South Indian and Chinese fusion — spicy and comforting.

A song to describe your life:
“Fight Song” — because I’ve built everything from scratch.

A talent you would love to acquire:
To play drums — rhythm just moves me.

Little black dress or black sari?
Little black dress — edgy and confident.

What would you wear to a hot date?
A pastel crop top and long skirt — elegant yet young!

The last line of your autobiography would read:
“She danced through every challenge — and never missed a beat.”


💃 Personal & Fun Side

If you weren’t an actor, you would be:
A professional dancer or choreographer — dance is in my DNA.

Which colour dominates your wardrobe?
Beige and black — classic never goes out of style.

A language you wish you were fluent in:
Telugu — I’d love to do more South Indian films.

You de-stress with:
Dancing, sketching, and long solo walks with my headphones on.

A body part you would insure:
My legs — they’ve been my biggest strength as a dancer.

The last time you had a bad hair day:
Every time I shoot in humidity — curls have their own mood!

A director you’d give anything to work with:
Mani Ratnam — his female characters are so powerful and poetic.

A gadget you can’t do without:
My AirPods — music fuels my soul.

If you could jet-set anywhere in the world:
Bali — beaches, sunsets, and serenity.

Who is your 3 am friend?
My sister — she’s my partner-in-crime since childhood.

If you woke up and found you’d turned into a man:
I’d immediately go dance in heels just to see how it feels!

What will we find in your fridge?
Smoothie bowls, almond milk, and chocolate chip cookies.

A movie that always brings a smile to your face:
Queen — it was my first lead role and my personal milestone.

A film that was part of your childhood:
Kilukkam — every Malayali’s favourite!

The most overrated film:
(laughs) I’ll skip that one — I’m still building friendships in the industry!

The first movie you saw on screen:
Manichitrathazhu — and I couldn’t sleep for a week after that!

A film that you have watched over five times:
Lucifer — I still can’t believe I was a part of that cinematic storm.


10:47 PM

Trisha Krishnan Biography

Trisha Krishnan

🎬 Actress: Trisha Krishnan

Birthday: May 4
Place of Birth: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Hometown: Chennai
College: Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai (B.A. in Business Administration)
First Break: Tamil film Mounam Pesiyadhe (2002) opposite Suriya, directed by Ameer Sultan
Sun Sign: Taurus


🌟 Quickfire with Trisha Krishnan

High point of your life: Winning my first Filmfare Award for Varsham — it made me realise I was here to stay.

Low point of your life: When I lost my father. It reminded me that fame can never replace family.

Currently I am: Working across Tamil and Malayalam films — and enjoying every moment on set.

If you were the editor of a magazine for a day, whom would you put on the cover?
Kamal Haasan — a legend whose artistry inspires generations.

Your favourite Tamil slang: “Semma mass!” — it says everything in just two words!

Your favourite travel hotspot in India: Pondicherry — peaceful, colourful, and close to my heart.

A dish to die for: Curd rice with spicy pickle — comfort food, always!

A song you can’t stop humming: Kaadhal Rojave — it never fails to give me goosebumps.

Which classic would you have chosen as your debut?
Roja — I would have loved to play such an iconic role.

What was the toughest part about your career in the early days?
Balancing modelling, acting, and education — and proving I was more than just a pretty face.


💫 Style & Soul

Three things you would do if you could:

  1. Travel to every UNESCO heritage site in the world.

  2. Write a book on my journey in cinema.

  3. Start a foundation for animal welfare.

A fashion trend you wish would make a comeback: Denim jackets over sarees — a quirky blend I love!

Your favourite piece of jewellery: My mom’s gold bangles — they’re my lucky charm.

Do you believe fairness creams work?
No. Real beauty lies in personality and self-love.

Three cosmetics you can’t do without:
Eyeliner, mascara, and a nude lip shade.

Your favourite cuisine:
South Indian and Mediterranean — dosa in the morning, hummus at night!

A song to describe your life:
Survivor by Destiny’s Child — strong, resilient, and graceful.

A talent you would love to acquire:
To cook authentic Italian food from scratch.

Little black dress or black sari?
Black sari — it’s elegance with an attitude.

What would you wear to a hot date?
A soft pastel gown — classy yet simple.

The last line of your autobiography would read:
“She walked through storms and still smiled like sunshine.”


💃 Personal & Fun Side

If you weren’t an actor, you would be:
A travel writer — I love discovering new cultures.

Which colour dominates your wardrobe?
White — it’s timeless, calm, and powerful.

A language you wish you were fluent in:
Spanish — it sounds so passionate!

You de-stress with:
Long drives, soft music, and cuddling my dogs.

A body part you would insure:
My smile — it’s my most honest accessory.

The last time you had a bad hair day:
During a beach shoot — humidity has its own plans!

A director you’d give anything to work with:
Mani Ratnam — his storytelling defines cinema.

A gadget you can’t do without:
My iPhone — it’s my lifeline for everything.

If you could jet-set anywhere in the world:
Switzerland — I’ve fallen in love with its silence and snow.

Who is your 3 am friend?
My mom — she’s my strength and best friend rolled into one.

If you woke up and found you’d turned into a man:
I’d immediately go back to sleep! I love being the woman I am.

What will we find in your fridge?
Coconut water, fruit bowls, and dark chocolate.

A movie that always brings a smile to your face:
96 — it reminds me that love never really fades.

A film that was part of your childhood:
Thalapathi — I still remember being mesmerised by the storytelling.

The most overrated film:
(laughs) Let’s just say, taste is subjective!

The first movie you saw on screen:
Alaipayuthey — it made me fall in love with Tamil cinema.

A film that you have watched over five times:
Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa — pure romance, pure magic.


10:41 PM

Priya Prakash Varrier Biography

 

Priya Prakash Varrier

🎬 Actress: Priya Prakash Varrier

Birthday: October 28
Place of Birth: Punkunnam, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Hometown: Thrissur
College: Vimala College, Thrissur (B.Com)
First Break: Malayalam film Oru Adaar Love (2019)
Sun Sign: Scorpio


🌟 Quickfire with Priya Prakash Varrier

High point of your life: The day my wink went viral — I had no idea a few seconds could change my life forever!

Low point of your life: Dealing with sudden fame at 18 was overwhelming. But it taught me to stay grounded.

Currently I am: Exploring new languages, doing Malayalam and Telugu projects, and focusing on becoming a more versatile performer.

If you were the editor of a magazine for a day, whom would you put on the cover?
Deepika Padukone — she defines grace, success, and strength.

Your favourite Malayalam slang: “Chetaaa!” — It’s so friendly and fun, I say it all the time.

Your favourite travel hotspot in India: Munnar — the mist, the hills, and that tea-scented air are unbeatable.

A dish to die for: Kerala parotta with beef curry — pure bliss!

A song you can’t stop humming: Manikya Malaraya Poovi — it will always be special to me.

Which classic would you have chosen as your debut?
Manichitrathazhu — I would’ve loved to play a layered character like Nagavalli.

What was the toughest part about sudden fame?
People forming opinions about me without knowing me — that was tough.


💫 Style & Soul

Three things you would do if you could:

  1. Take a year off to travel the world.

  2. Produce a women-centric Malayalam film.

  3. Learn classical music professionally.

A fashion trend you wish would make a comeback: Vintage floral skirts and puff-sleeved blouses.

Your favourite piece of jewellery: Silver nose ring — it’s my trademark style.

Do you believe fairness creams work?
No, not really. Real beauty glows from confidence, not a tube.

Three cosmetics you can’t do without:
Lip tint, mascara, and sunscreen.

Your favourite cuisine:
Kerala and Italian — appam with stew or pasta with pesto, both make me happy!

A song to describe your life:
“Girl on Fire” — because I’m still burning bright and learning every day.

A talent you would love to acquire:
To play the piano perfectly — it’s such an elegant instrument.

Little black dress or black sari?
A black sari — it’s bold yet traditional, just like me.

What would you wear to a hot date?
A floral dress — sweet, simple, and easy-going.

The last line of your autobiography would read:
“Just a wink, and a world of dreams followed.”


💃 Personal & Fun Side

If you weren’t an actor, you would be:
A classical dancer or singer — art has always been my first love.

Which colour dominates your wardrobe?
Shades of pink and lavender — soft but expressive.

A language you wish you were fluent in:
Tamil — I want to act in Tamil films soon!

You de-stress with:
Listening to old Malayalam songs and playing with my cats.

A body part you would insure:
My eyes — they did all the magic! 😉

The last time you had a bad hair day:
During monsoons in Kerala — every single day!

A director you’d give anything to work with:
Mani Ratnam — it’s every South Indian actor’s dream.

A gadget you can’t do without:
My phone — for music, scripts, and connecting with fans.

If you could jet-set anywhere in the world:
Switzerland — I’m a sucker for snow and scenic drives.

Who is your 3 am friend?
My mom — she’s always up for a chat no matter the time.

If you woke up and found you’d turned into a man:
I’d go back to sleep immediately! I’m happy as I am.

What will we find in your fridge?
Ice cream, fruit yogurt, and lots of chocolate.

A movie that always brings a smile to your face:
Charlie — it’s pure magic and emotion.

A film that was part of your childhood:
Kilukkam — my all-time comfort movie.

The most overrated film:
(laughs) I’ll skip that — I don’t want to get trolled again!

The first movie you saw on screen:
Anjali — I remember crying by the end.

A film that you have watched over five times:
Premam — it still feels fresh every time.

10:38 PM

Keerthy Suresh Biography

 


🎬 Actress: Keerthy Suresh

Keerthy Suresh


Birthday: October 17
Place of Birth: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Hometown: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
College: Pearl Academy, Chennai (Degree in Fashion Design)
First Break: Malayalam film Geethaanjali (2013) directed by Priyadarshan
Sun Sign: Libra


🌟 Quickfire with Keerthy Suresh

High point of your life: Winning the National Film Award for Best Actress for Mahanati. It was a dream moment — like touching the sky with both hands.

Low point of your life: Honestly, every low phase has shaped me. I prefer to see them as lessons rather than failures.

Currently I am: Filming across Tamil and Telugu industries — balancing performance-oriented roles with a few fun commercial ones.

If you were the editor of a magazine for a day, whom would you put on the cover?
Savitri amma — she’s the soul behind Mahanati, and her grace still inspires me.

Your favourite South Indian slang: “Adei pa!” — short, fun, and full of expression.

Your favourite travel hotspot in India: Munnar — the hills, tea gardens, and that soothing mist make me feel at peace.

A dish to die for: Kerala sadya! Especially avial and payasam — can’t imagine Onam without them.

A song you can’t stop humming: Mooga Manasulu from Mahanati. It’s pure emotion.

Which classic would you have chosen as your debut?
Mayabazar. I’m a huge fan of old-world storytelling and cinematic magic.

What was the toughest part about playing Savitri in Mahanati?
Living her emotions — she wasn’t just a character; she was history. It took everything I had as an actor.


💫 Style & Soul

Three things you would do if you could:

  1. Spend a month painting and doing nothing else.

  2. Travel across Europe on a food trail.

  3. Open a fashion label celebrating Indian textiles.

A fashion trend you wish would make a comeback: 90s puff sleeves and polka dots — pure vintage charm!

Your favourite piece of jewellery: My mother’s gold jhumkas — they carry nostalgia.

Do you believe fairness creams work?
No — beauty isn’t a shade. Confidence and kindness matter more.

Three cosmetics you can’t do without:
Moisturizer, kajal, and lip tint.

Your favourite cuisine:
South Indian comfort food and Thai cuisine.

A song to describe your life:
“Rise Up” — because I believe in moving forward no matter what.

A talent you would love to acquire:
To play the veena like a pro — such a divine instrument!

Little black dress or black sari?
A black silk sari — elegant, timeless, and powerful.

What would you wear to a hot date?
A pastel flowy outfit — soft, feminine, and effortless.

The last line of your autobiography would read:
“She stayed grounded, even when the world put her on a pedestal.”


💃 Personal & Fun Side

If you weren’t an actor, you would be:
A fashion designer — I studied it, and it still inspires my styling today.

Which colour dominates your wardrobe?
Pastels — mint green, blush pink, lavender. They make me feel calm.

A language you wish you were fluent in:
Hindi — I’m working on it for my Bollywood projects!

You de-stress with:
Music, sketching, and spending time with my dogs.

A body part you would insure:
My expressive eyes — they’ve told half my stories!

The last time you had a bad hair day:
On a beach shoot — the wind refused to listen to the stylist!

A director you’d give anything to work with:
Mani Ratnam — that’s every actor’s dream, isn’t it?

A gadget you can’t do without:
My iPhone — it’s my camera, diary, and jukebox all in one.

If you could jet-set anywhere in the world:
Switzerland — the mountains there are cinematic perfection.

Who is your 3 am friend?
My sister Revathy — she’s my emotional anchor.

If you woke up and found you’d turned into a man:
I’d probably get some extra sleep and then laugh about it later!

What will we find in your fridge?
Fresh fruits, almond milk, and some dark chocolate.

A movie that always brings a smile to your face:
Remo — it’s so much fun and full of colour.

A film that was part of your childhood:
Poochakkoru Mookkuthi — I’ve watched it countless times with my parents.

The most overrated film:
(laughs) I believe every story finds the right heart — so no judgments!

The first movie you saw on screen:
Anjali — and I cried buckets!

A film that you have watched over five times:
Mahanati — it’s too close to my heart to count the views.

10:35 PM

Tamannaah Bhatia Biography

 

🎬 Actress: Tamannaah Bhatia

Birthday: December 21
Place of Birth: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Hometown: Mumbai
College: National College, Mumbai
First Break: Hindi film Chand Sa Roshan Chehra (2005)
Sun Sign: Sagittarius


🌟 Quickfire with Tamannaah Bhatia

High point of your life: When Baahubali: The Beginning released — it changed my life and introduced me to a global audience.

Low point of your life: The initial years, when I worked hard but success didn’t come easily. Looking back, even that phase was necessary.

Currently I am: Working across Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu films — loving the balance between commercial cinema and performance-driven roles.

If you were the editor of a magazine for a day, whom would you put on the cover?
Sridevi — my eternal inspiration for grace and versatility.

Your favourite South Indian slang: “Aiyyo!” — I use it even in Hindi conversations now.

Your favourite travel hotspot in India: Coorg — peaceful, green, and full of good coffee!

A dish to die for: Hyderabadi biryani — I can eat it any time of the day!

A song you can’t stop humming: Kanna Nidurinchara from Baahubali 2 — it’s close to my heart.

Which classic would you have chosen as your debut?
Maybe Guide — such a timeless story and an unforgettable character for any actor.

What was the toughest part about being in Baahubali?
The physical transformation — months of sword fighting, horse riding, and stunt training! But every bruise was worth it.


💫 Style & Soul

Three things you would do if you could:

  1. Spend a month in Paris learning baking.

  2. Start an animal rescue center.

  3. Star in a period dance film set in the Mughal era.

A fashion trend you wish would make a comeback: Bell-bottom jeans — they’re so flattering!

Your favourite piece of jewellery: Diamond studs — simple and elegant.

Do you believe fairness creams work?
Beauty isn’t about fairness. Confidence is what truly makes you glow.

Three cosmetics you can’t do without:
Mascara, lip balm, and sunscreen.

Your favourite cuisine:
South Indian and Italian — I can never choose between dosas and pasta!

A song to describe your life:
Lakshya to har haal mein paana hai — because I’m always chasing growth.

A talent you would love to acquire:
To play the piano beautifully.

Little black dress or black sari?
A black sari — nothing beats traditional elegance.

What would you wear to a hot date?
A chic jumpsuit — stylish yet comfortable.

The last line of your autobiography would read:
“She believed in magic — and created her own.”


💃 Personal & Fun Side

If you weren’t an actor, you would be:
A fashion designer or a pastry chef — both make people happy!

Which colour dominates your wardrobe?
White — I love its simplicity and calmness.

A language you wish you were fluent in:
Kannada — I understand it, but I’d love to speak it perfectly someday.

You de-stress with:
Yoga, music, and spending time with my pet dog, Pebbles.

A body part you would insure:
My smile — because it’s been my lucky charm.

The last time you had a bad hair day:
During an outdoor shoot in Rajasthan — the dust had its own script!

A director you’d give anything to work with:
Sanjay Leela Bhansali — his vision is cinematic poetry.

A gadget you can’t do without:
My iPad — I read scripts, watch films, and journal on it.

If you could jet-set anywhere in the world:
Greece — the beaches, the colours, and the food!

Who is your 3 am friend?
My mother — she’s my biggest supporter and critic.

If you woke up and found you’d turned into a man:
I’d probably go back to sleep — I love being a woman too much!

What will we find in your fridge?
Greek yogurt, fruits, and dark chocolate — my comfort trio.

A movie that always brings a smile to your face:
Baahubali 2: The Conclusion — it’s a reminder of how dreams can come true.

A film that was part of your childhood:
Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, I still know all the songs by heart.

The most overrated film:
(smiles) Every film has its admirer — I’ll skip this one!

The first movie you saw on screen:
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge — and I fell in love with cinema.

A film that you have watched over five times:
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham — pure Bollywood nostalgia!

10:29 PM

Manju Warrier — Biography

 


Manju Warrier — Biography

🎬 Actress: Manju Warrier

Birthday: September 10
Place of Birth: Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, India
Hometown: Thrissur, Kerala
College: Chovva Higher Secondary School, Kannur
First Break: Malayalam film Sakshyam (1995), directed by Mohan
Sun Sign: Virgo


🌟 Quickfire with Manju Warrier

High point of your life: My comeback to films after 15 years — How Old Are You? changed everything.

Low point of your life: The years away from cinema taught me a lot, but I wouldn’t call them low — just a long pause before a stronger return.

Currently I am: Juggling scripts in Malayalam and Tamil, enjoying my creative space, and dancing whenever I can.

If you were the editor of a magazine for a day, whom would you put on the cover?
Mohanlal — because every frame with him tells a story.

Your favourite Malayalam slang: Kettaalle! (Of course!)

Your favourite travel hotspot in Kerala: Wayanad — calm, misty, and filled with nature’s whispers.

A Kerala dish to die for: Kappa and meen curry — nothing beats that combination!

A Malayalam song you can’t stop humming: Uyire Uyire from Bombay — it never gets old.

Which classic would you have chosen as your debut?
Maybe Kireedam. The emotional depth in that film still moves me.

What was the toughest part about your comeback?
Fighting my own fear — wondering if people still remembered me. But the audience embraced me like family.


💫 Style & Soul

Three things you would do if you could:

  1. Travel the world without an itinerary.

  2. Start a foundation for young women in the arts.

  3. Revisit every temple festival from my childhood.

A fashion trend you wish would make a comeback: Cotton sarees with traditional jewellery — pure grace.

Your favourite piece of jewellery: Silver anklets. I love the sound of them when I walk.

Do you believe fairness creams work?
No. Confidence is the best glow you can wear.

Three cosmetics you can’t do without:
Just a kohl pencil, lip balm, and sunscreen.

Your favourite cuisine:
Simple Kerala home food — rice, moru curry, and thoran.

A song to describe your life:
Rise Like a Phoenix — because that’s exactly what I did!

A talent you would love to acquire:
To play the violin beautifully.

Little black dress or black sari?
Always a black sari — timeless and elegant.

What would you wear to a hot date?
A handloom saree — subtle, yet striking.

The last line of your autobiography would read:
“I stopped once… only to begin again.”


💃 Personal & Fun Side

If you weren’t an actor, you would be:
A dancer and teacher — or maybe running a small café in Thrissur.

Which colour dominates your wardrobe?
Earth tones and whites. I find peace in simplicity.

A language you wish you were fluent in:
Tamil — though I’m working on it now with my Tamil films.

You de-stress with:
Long drives, dance rehearsals, and music.

A body part you would insure:
My voice — because it carries my emotions.

The last time you had a bad hair day:
Every day before a shoot — but my hairstylist works miracles!

A director you’d give anything to work with:
Mani Ratnam — always.

A gadget you can’t do without:
My Kindle — it travels everywhere with me.

If you could jet-set anywhere in the world:
Japan — for its discipline, art, and simplicity.

Who is your 3 am friend?
My daughter, Meenakshi.

If you woke up and found you’d turned into a man:
I’d go back to sleep immediately — I love being a woman!

What will we find in your fridge?
Coconut water, dark chocolate, and home-made pickles.

A movie that always brings a smile to your face:
How Old Are You? — it reminds me of every woman who decided to start again.

A film that was part of your childhood:
Manichitrathazhu — I was mesmerised by Shobana’s performance.

The most overrated film:
(laughs) I’ll skip this — I believe every film has its audience.

The first movie you saw on screen:
My Dear Kuttichathan — and the 3D glasses were magical!

A film you’ve watched over five times:
Chithram — it never loses its charm.

Overview

Full Name: Manju Warrier
Date of Birth: 10 September 1978
Birthplace: Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India
Nationality: Indian
Occupations: Actress, Producer, Classical Dancer, Playback Singer
Industry: Malayalam Cinema (also works in Tamil and Hindi films)
Years Active: 1995–1999, 2014–present
Known For: Powerful female-centric performances, versatile acting, and comeback success.


1. Early Life and Education

Manju Warrier was born on 10 September 1978 in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, into a Malayali family originally from Thrissur, Kerala. Her father, T.V. Madhavan, worked with BSNL, and her mother, Girija Warrier, was a homemaker. Manju has a brother, Madan Warrier, who also works in the film and television industry.

Her early education began at CSI Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Nagercoil. After her father’s transfer to Kannur, the family relocated, and she continued her schooling at Chinmaya Vidyalaya and later at Chovva Higher Secondary School.
From a young age, Manju exhibited a deep interest in dance and performance arts, which later became integral to her identity as an actress and performer.


2. Entry into Films and Early Breakthrough (1995–1996)

Manju made her film debut at the age of 17 with the Malayalam film Sakshyam (1995) directed by Mohan. Her natural acting and expressive eyes drew attention, and she soon became a sought-after newcomer in the Malayalam film industry.

Her big break came a year later with the film Sallapam (1996), directed by Sundar Das and co-starring Dileep. The film’s success not only catapulted her to stardom but also marked the beginning of a professional and personal partnership with Dileep, who would later become her husband.

In the same year, she delivered a string of hits including:

  • Thooval Kottaram (1996) with Jayaram

  • Dilliwala Rajakumaran (1996)

  • Kaliveedu (1996)

  • Ee Puzhayum Kadannu (1996) — which earned her the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress.

Her naturalistic acting and command over emotional scenes set her apart from her contemporaries, making her one of the most promising young talents in Malayalam cinema.


3. Rise to Stardom and Critical Success (1997–1999)

Between 1997 and 1999, Manju Warrier appeared in a series of acclaimed and commercially successful films that showcased her range and maturity as an actress. Her filmography during this period includes:

  • Kudamattom (1997)

  • Irattakuttikalude Achan (1997)

  • Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu (1997)

  • The Play of God (1997) — for which she won the Filmfare Award (Malayalam) for Best Actress (1998)

  • Aaram Thampuran (1997) opposite Mohanlal, a landmark success that solidified her status as the leading actress of Malayalam cinema in the late 1990s.

Her performances were noted for their emotional intensity and the strength of character she brought to women’s roles — a rare feat in an era dominated by male-centric narratives.

In 1998 and 1999, she continued her success streak with:

  • Pranayavarnangal (1998)

  • Kanmadam (1998) — won Filmfare Award for Best Actress (1999)

  • Summer in Bethlehem (1998)

  • Pathram (1999) — earned her Filmfare Award for Best Actress (2000)

  • Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu (1999) — her final film before her hiatus.

By the end of the 1990s, Manju Warrier had established herself as one of the greatest actresses in Malayalam cinema, with multiple state and Filmfare awards within a span of just four years.


4. Hiatus and Personal Life (1999–2014)

In 1998, Manju married actor Dileep, her frequent co-star, and withdrew from acting after the release of Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu (1999). The couple had a daughter, Meenakshi, born in 2000. For over 14 years, Manju stayed away from films, focusing on family life.

However, she remained a beloved cultural figure through dance performances, brand endorsements, and charity activities.
In 2015, Manju and Dileep finalized their divorce, and Manju returned to cinema with renewed vigor and purpose.


5. Resurgence and Second Innings (2014–Present)

After a 15-year hiatus, Manju Warrier made a grand comeback with How Old Are You? (2014), directed by Rosshan Andrrews. The film, which revolved around a woman rediscovering her identity after years of domestic life, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. It became a blockbuster and reestablished her as a powerhouse performer.
She won the SIIMA Award for Best Actress (Malayalam) in 2015 for her comeback role.

Subsequent Major Films and Performances:

  • Ennum Eppozhum (2015)

  • Rani Padmini (2015)

  • Jo and the Boy (2015)

  • Vettah (2016)

  • Karingunnam 6’s (2016)

  • C/O Saira Banu (2017)

  • Udaharanam Sujatha (2017) — won Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Actress (2017) and NAFA Award (2017)

  • Aami (2018) — a biographical film on writer Kamala Das, which earned her Filmfare Award (Malayalam) for Best Actress (2019) and Asiavision Award (2018)

Her ability to merge subtle emotion with strength and realism became her defining trademark during her second phase in cinema.


6. Expansion into Tamil and Pan-Indian Cinema

In 2018, Manju starred in Odiyan alongside Mohanlal — a fantasy thriller released across 42 countries, marking one of the largest releases for a Malayalam film.

She followed it with:

  • Lucifer (2019), directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran — became one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time (₹100 crore+ club). She received the SIIMA Award (2021) for Best Actress for this role.

  • Asuran (2019), her Tamil debut opposite Dhanush — a major critical and commercial success, grossing ₹100 crores and earning nationwide praise for her nuanced performance as Pachaiyamma.

Her success in Asuran opened doors to Tamil cinema, where she was soon cast in high-profile projects such as:

  • Thunivu (2023) with Ajith Kumar (action heist film)

  • Vellari Pattanam and Ayisha (2023 Malayalam releases)


7. Recent Works (2021–2024)

In recent years, Manju Warrier has continued to experiment with genres:

  • The Priest (2021) with Mammootty

  • Chathur Mukham (2021) — India’s first techno-horror film

  • Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (2021) — epic historical drama

  • Lalitham Sundaram (2022), Meri Awas Suno (2022), and Jack N Jill (2022).

Her consistency and courage to take unconventional roles have kept her at the forefront of Malayalam cinema’s evolving landscape.


8. Beyond Acting — Producer, Dancer, and Philanthropist

Apart from acting, Manju Warrier is an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer and has performed on numerous prestigious stages.

She has also ventured into film production, focusing on meaningful cinema and female-driven narratives.
As a philanthropist, she is actively involved in social causes, including women empowerment, health awareness, and environmental protection campaigns in Kerala.


9. Awards and Honours (Selected List)

  • Kerala State Film Award – Best Actress (1996) (Ee Puzhayum Kadannu)

  • Filmfare Award (Malayalam) – Best Actress (1998) (The Play of God)

  • Filmfare Award (Malayalam) – Best Actress (1999) (Kanmadam)

  • Filmfare Award (Malayalam) – Best Actress (2000) (Pathram)

  • SIIMA Award – Best Actress (2015) (How Old Are You?)

  • Filmfare Award (Malayalam) – Best Actress (2019) (Aami)

  • SIIMA Award (2021) – (Lucifer)

  • Multiple NAFA and Critics Awards for Udaharanam Sujatha, Vettah, and C/O Saira Banu


10. Personal Life

Manju Warrier was married to actor Dileep from 1998 to 2015. They have one daughter, Meenakshi Dileep. After their separation, Manju has maintained a dignified public stance, focusing on her work, daughter, and social causes.
Known for her grace, discipline, and independence, she has often been hailed as the “Lady Superstar of Malayalam Cinema.”


11. Legacy and Influence

Manju Warrier’s journey—from a teenage prodigy to a revered actress and symbol of female empowerment—is unparalleled in Malayalam cinema.
Her comeback story, particularly after a 14-year hiatus, remains one of the most inspiring tales in Indian film history.
She represents strength, artistry, and resilience, redefining what it means to be a leading woman in Indian cinema.

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