Mammootty's journey from lawyer to superstar amid Padma Bhushan honor
What's the story
Mammootty, the legendary Malayalam actor, was announced as one of the recipients of the prestigious Padma Bhushan Award back in January. Now, as we gear up for the award ceremony on May 25, let's take a look at the star's journey. With over 420 films under his belt, he continues to impress audiences with meaningful content-driven cinema. But did you know that he was once a practicing lawyer?
Career shift
Mammootty was a practicing lawyer
Born on September 7, 1951, Mammootty studied law at Government Law College in Ernakulam and worked as a lawyer in Manjeri for almost two years. However, his childhood passion for acting never faded. His entry into films happened by chance when he met writer MT Vasudevan Nair, who offered him opportunities after being impressed by his ambitions to become an actor.
Career progression
His rise to stardom and career milestones
Mammootty started his career with small roles in movies like Vilkkanundu Swapnangal (1980), Mela (1980), and Ahimsa (1981). The late 1980s marked a turning point in his career with the film New Delhi (1987), which made him a superstar in Malayalam cinema. His powerful screen presence and ability to take on diverse roles helped him stand out.
Legacy
National Film Awards acclaim
Mammootty has earned several National Film Awards, notably for his performances in Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha and Mathilukal. He also made a mark beyond Malayalam cinema with acclaimed performances in films across other languages, including Thalapathi and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. With a reported net worth of around ₹340 crore, Mammootty won a Padma Shri in 1998.
Awards initiative
What is 'People's Padma'?
The #PeoplesPadma or People's Padma initiative was started by the Government of India to make the Padma Awards more inclusive by encouraging public and self-nominations for grassroots achievers. In 2026, some of the recipients under this initiative were Anke Gowda, who founded the free-access library Pustaka Mane; Dr. Armida Fernandez, known for establishing Asia's first human milk bank; and Tripti Mukherjee, who was honored for her contribution to preserving traditional handicrafts. All three received the Padma Shri.