Mammootty (English: Mammootty, full name: ‘Muhammadkutty Ismail Panparambil’, born- 7 September 1951, Kerala) is a famous actor of South Indian cinema. Mammootty has surpassed Mohanlal and Resul Pookutty in a worldwide survey of the most popular Malayalee. Mammootty has been declared the most popular Malayalee in a survey conducted by Asian Television Awards 2010. Mammootty said that I am proud to be a Malayalee. [1]
Mammootty was born in a farmer’s family in Chempu village in Vaikom area of Kerala and received his early education in Kochi and Ernakulam. After completing his law studies from Ernakulam, he tried his heart out for two years in this profession, but he could not settle down. In fact, he became fond of films during his college days. Due to this hobby, he started working in films.[2]
He appeared in similar roles in the 1971 film ‘Anbhavangal Paalichkal’ and the 1973 film ‘Kaalachakram’. He also changed his name, but appeared again with his real name in the 1979 film ‘Devalok’. This film was directed by M.T. Vasudevan Nair. But this film of Mammootty could not be released. His first film can be considered as ‘Mela’ directed by K.G. George. In all the films before this, he could not be recognized despite his talent. Then came a period in between when he worked in 150 films in just a few years. Out of these, 35 of his films were released in 1986 itself. English film stars cannot even imagine so many films in a year. The biggest beauty of Mammootty’s personality is that despite being a superstar of Malayalam, he also encouraged the art cinema there. He worked with all sensitive directors including Adoor Gopalakrishnan. English film lovers might have heard of Mani Ratnam’s ‘Dalapathi’ and Rajiv Menon’s ‘Kodukondain Kodukondain’. Mammootty’s important and notable contribution is ‘Baba Saheb Ambedkar’. He played the titular role of Ambedkar in this film released in 1999. He assumed Ambedkar’s form with prosthetic makeup. In the film, he shows through his postures and gestures that he is Ambedkar. Since we are well acquainted with Ambedkar’s moving and still images. [3]
Malayalam superstar Mammootty compares himself to a hardworking farmer who cares about his work and expects the best. Mammootty said, “I am like a farmer. A farmer always works hard in his field and his only prayer is that his crop turns out very well. Similarly, I also work hard in my work and wait with hope for the best just like the farmer.” Mammootty said, “The success of any film is always a result of the efforts of many people. I believe in the idea that one cannot make a good film, it just happens on its own.” Mammootty said that he does not consider himself great and hence works hard for any film. He said that he is careful while choosing films. He will have four or five films releasing next year and Mammootty will be playing different roles in all of them. [4]
Malayalam film superstar Mammootty has always been interested in playing the role of a police officer. This role made him a superstar. In his film career spanning more than 25 years, he has played the role of a police officer many times. He has played about 25 roles as a police officer. It is noteworthy that in the 80s, he got the opportunity to become a star by playing the role of a police officer in the film “Yavanikaa”. This is the role that took his career to new heights. In whichever film he played the role of a police officer, people liked that film. [5]
Mammootty, who has won three National Awards and played the role of Baba Saheb Ambedkar, has not done many English films like other popular South Indian stars. He worked in the English film Dhartiputra. One or two of his other English films are mentioned, but they are unknown.
Along with three National Awards, he has won seven Government of Kerala Awards and 11 Filmfare Awards. Despite this fame, his humility is impressive. The most famous actor of the Malayalam film industry, Mammootty has worked in 360 films. Mammootty has also won the National Award in the Best Actor category three times, which is equal to Kamal Haasan and Amitabh Bachchan. Apart from this, Mammootty has been honored with the Kerala State Film Award, 11 South Indian Filmfare Awards and Padma Shri by the Government of India.
South Indian film superstar Mammootty was conferred with the degree of ‘D.Litt’ at Calicut University along with freedom fighter Captain Lakshmi Sehgal and eminent historian Irfan Habib. The degree was conferred by Calicut University Chancellor and Kerala Governor R.S. Gavai at a ceremony. Addressing the ceremony, Mr. Mammootty expressed his gratitude for the honour. [6]