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:
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Travel the world without an itinerary.
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Start a foundation for young women in the arts.
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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:
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Thooval Kottaram (1996) with Jayaram
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Dilliwala Rajakumaran (1996)
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Kaliveedu (1996)
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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:
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Kudamattom (1997)
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Irattakuttikalude Achan (1997)
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Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu (1997)
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The Play of God (1997) — for which she won the Filmfare Award (Malayalam) for Best Actress (1998)
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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:
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Pranayavarnangal (1998)
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Kanmadam (1998) — won Filmfare Award for Best Actress (1999)
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Summer in Bethlehem (1998)
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Pathram (1999) — earned her Filmfare Award for Best Actress (2000)
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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:
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Ennum Eppozhum (2015)
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Rani Padmini (2015)
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Jo and the Boy (2015)
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Vettah (2016)
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Karingunnam 6’s (2016)
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C/O Saira Banu (2017)
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Udaharanam Sujatha (2017) — won Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Actress (2017) and NAFA Award (2017)
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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:
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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.
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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:
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Thunivu (2023) with Ajith Kumar (action heist film)
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Vellari Pattanam and Ayisha (2023 Malayalam releases)
7. Recent Works (2021–2024)
In recent years, Manju Warrier has continued to experiment with genres:
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The Priest (2021) with Mammootty
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Chathur Mukham (2021) — India’s first techno-horror film
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Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (2021) — epic historical drama
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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)
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Kerala State Film Award – Best Actress (1996) (Ee Puzhayum Kadannu)
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Filmfare Award (Malayalam) – Best Actress (1998) (The Play of God)
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Filmfare Award (Malayalam) – Best Actress (1999) (Kanmadam)
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Filmfare Award (Malayalam) – Best Actress (2000) (Pathram)
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SIIMA Award – Best Actress (2015) (How Old Are You?)
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Filmfare Award (Malayalam) – Best Actress (2019) (Aami)
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SIIMA Award (2021) – (Lucifer)
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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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