#50YearsOfMammoottysm: 5 interesting facts about the Megastar
Mammootty is celebrating 50 years of his career in cinema on August 6. The actor’s debut film ‘Anubhavangal Palichakal’ was released on this day, back in 1971. Although Mammootty was a junior artist in the film, it was on this day he appeared on the silver screen!
In his career spanning 5 decades, Mammootty has been part of some of the best films the nation has seen and has also earned a godlike stature amongst art lovers. The actor has been instrumental in enriching Malayalam cinema and also made some solid contributions to Indian cinema, through his works.
As Mammootty is celebrating 50 years of his career in Tinseltown, let’s take a look at five interesting facts about the Megastar.
(Pic courtesy: Facebook)
Debut with Sathyan
Mammootty faced the camera for the first time for ‘Anubhavangal Paalichakal’. The film was directed by KS Sethumadhavan and it featured Sathyan, Prem Nazeer, and Sheela in the lead roles. Mammootty was a junior artist. Although the audience hardly noticed him, Mammootty considers himself fortunate to have begun his journey in celluloid with legendary actor late Sathyan. “This is a screengrab from my first ever appearance on celluloid. This brings back such vivid memories from another time. I had the rare privilege to be in the same film as Sathyan master. In fact, I remember touching his feet once when he was asleep, resting between shots,” Mammootty recently shared.
(Pic courtesy: Facebook)
Leaving a successful career behind for passion
Although Mammootty’s first appearance in front of the camera was in 1971, he appeared in a credited role in 1980 in the film ‘Vilkkanundu Swapnangal’. While facing the camera for the first time, Mammootty was just a teenager. Later he focused on his academic path and started working as an advocate. Mammootty had a successful career in law, but he was always passionate about art and cinema. He chose to leave behind his successful career in cinema. And we are fortunate to have him, otherwise, Indian cinema would have lost such spectacular performances!
(Pic courtesy: Facebook)
Never reluctant about asking for roles
Mammootty has been part of some incredible films including ‘Thaniyavarthanam’, ‘Vidheyan’, ‘Mathilukal’, ‘Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha’, ‘The King’, ‘Valiyettan’, ‘Mruagaya’ and ‘Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja’ among others. He has worked with some of the best talents in Malayalam cinema including Jijo Punnoose, 'MT Vasudevan Nair, Joshiy, AK Lohithadas, Sibi Malayil, K Madhu, IV Sasi, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Priyadarshan, Blessy, and Lal Jose, among others. Mammootty has always been keen about being a part of good movies and did you know he even asks for chances, even after enjoying superstardom.
(Pic courtesy: Facebook)
Acted with Mohanlal in over 50 films
It is impossible to not mention Mohanlal when one speaks about Mammootty. The duo are the two biggest superstars in Malayalam cinema and although fans often consider them as rivals, the duo are great friends. Did you know that Mammootty and Mohanlal have acted together in over 50 films? Yes, that’s right! From ‘Padayottam’ to ‘Twenty:20’ the duo have shared the screen in over 50 films and most of them are blockbuster films.
(Pic courtesy: Facebook)
Accolades and awards
Mammootty has won the National Award for best actor thrice. In 1989 he bagged the award for his performances in the films 'Mathilukal' and 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha'. In 1993 he bagged the National award once again for his films 'Ponthan Mada' and 'Vidheyan'. He received the award the third time for the English film 'Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar'. Mammootty was also bestowed with Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in 1998. The Megastar has also won the Kerala State Award for best actor many times.
(Pic courtesy: Facebook)