Maammootty; A Legend..!

Mammootty (born Pannaparambil Muhammad Kutty on September 7, 1953 [1]) is an award winning, popular, Malayalee Indian film actor. He, along with Kamal Haasan, holds the record of winning the National Film Award for Best Actor most times. During a career that spanned more than quarter of a century, he has acted in more than 300 films as lead actor in Malayalam movies, a distinction he shares with Prem Nazir.[2]Mammootty is considered by many critics to be one of the finest actors in Indian cinema who has excelled in both art and commercial movies.[3]

Mammootty received many major awards for his performance as lead actor in mostly Malayalam movies. This includes three National awards, six State awards and nine Filmfare Awards in the Best actor category. In 1998, the Government of India honored him with Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honor for his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema. Mammootty achieved international fame as a result of his portrayal of Dr.Ambedkar.[4] in 1998. He had his biggest commercial success with the action-comedy Rajamanikyam in 2005.[5]His latest film AnnanThambi has is on its way to break the collection record of Rajamanikyam.

Mammootty is also the Chairman of Malayalam Communications, which runs some popular Malayalam TV channels like Kairali TV, People TV and Channel We.[6] After a survey among its readers, the Vanitha magazine selected Mammootty as the actor with the most sex appeal. Mammootty has promoted humanitarian causes throughout Kerala, and he is the Goodwill Ambassador of the Akshaya project.[7] His current projects include Pazhassi Raja, Roudram, Yugapurushan and The late night beggar.
Early life and family

Mammooty, sometimes affectionately known as Mammukka (or Mammookka) was born in Chempu, near Vaikom in Kottayam, Kerala, India in a middle class Muslim family. His father Ismail was an Agriculturist (died in 2005), and his mother Fatima is a housewife. Along with his brothers Ibrahim and Zachariah and sisters Ameena, Sauda and Shafina, he grew up in Chempu, Vaikom. During his School life he was involved in Sports and Arts. He received his education from Maharajas College, Kochi, and then studied law at Ernakulam Government Law College. He also practiced law for two years in Manjeri, Kerala. He married Sulfath in 1980 and has a daughter, Surumi and a son, Dulquar Salman.[8]

Acting career

Early career, 1971-1980

Mammootty's first screen appearance was in a movie called Anubhavangal Paalichakal in 1971, directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan and starred by Sathyan and Prem Nazir. He was still a student at Maharajas College at that time.After two years, in 1973, he got another role in Kalachakram, a Prem Nazir movie directed by K. Narayanan.

But his professional movie career began in 1979, when he played his first leading role in Devalokam.[9] directed by vetaran M. T. Vasudevan Nair. However, this was not released in theaters.

Breakthrough, 1980s

Vilkanundu Swapnangal, penned by M. T. Vasudevan Nair and directed by M. Azad was Mammootty's first released film where he played the role of "Madhavan Kutty". His roles in further movies like Mela where he played a Circus artist, and Thrishna , directed by I.V. Sasi got him noticed. His first superhit film as a hero was Thrishna, released in 1981. After the success of Thrishna, Mammootty and I.V. Sasi together created many hits such as Aavanazhi and Inspector Balram in the later years of his career.

The role of Sub-inspector Jacob Eerally in the investigative thriller Yavanika, directed by K. G. George, released in 1982 cemented his position as a leading hero in Malayalam cinema. The movie was a big commercial success and Mammootty's role got rave reviews for its style and dialogue delivery. This was the beginning of a trend whereby Mammootty would play the role of tough cop in many action and investigative thrillers in the coming years.[10]

In 1981, he got his first award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Ahimsa.

New realms of stardom

The period 1982-1984 saw Mammootty evolve into a commercially viable hero in mainstream Malayalam cinema. Padmarajan’s Koodevide and Joshy’s Aa Raathri were highly successful at the box office. His performances in movies like Aalkootathil Thaniye and Adiyozhukkukal, scripted by M.T.Vasudevan Nair established him as an actor of substance. Mammooty was noted for his controlled acting, never crossing the limits, and his presentation of M. T.’s dialogues, which were always pregnant with meaning.[11].

In a period of five years from 1982 to 1986 Mammootty acted in more than 150 films as hero.[12] During this period, Mammooty managed the rare distinction of appearing as hero in an astonishing 35 movies released in a single year, 1986, which exceeded only by Prem Nazir who acted in 39 movies as hero released during 1979.

His role as Karunan in Adiyozhukkukal directed by I.V. Sasi, penned by M. T. got him the Best Actor State Award and Filmfare Award . Mammootty won the State special jury award and best actor Filmfare award for Yathra directed by Balu Mahendra. The film proved to be one of the best in Mammootty's career. He shaved his hair for the film. In 1985, his role as Ravi Varma in Nirakkoottu, directed by Joshy, penned by Dennis Joseph got much acclaims and also created box office history.

Career slump, 1986s

For a short while during mid 80's, Mammooty saw his career in a decline. Many of his movies during this period saw him portraying very stereotypical roles as a familyman or a businessman.

Regaining stardom, 1987s

Mammootty made an enormous comeback with New Delhi and Thaniyavarthanam, both released in 1987. New Delhi was a very important movie in his life as an actor.[13] The film was loosely based on the novel, "The Almighty" by Irving Wallace.[14] His portrayal of a victimized journalist, who systematically took revenge on politicians who flattered him, was noticed and well accepted by the masses. Mammootty's portrayal of the role was widely appreciated and it reinstated his stardom and propelled him to mega-stardom.[citation needed]New Delhi went on to create box-office history in Kerala and it was later remade into many other Indian languages. Meanwhile, his role as “Balan Mash” in Thaniyavarthanam got him very critical acclaims. The film was a story about a school teacher who was made into a mental patient by unfortunate circumstances. The movie was made by the pair of writers A. K. Lohithadas and director Sibi Malayil.

Era of superhits, 1987-1996

In 1988 Mammootty delivered one of the biggest hits in the history of Malayalm Cinema with his Oru CBI Diary Kurippu. Oru CBI Diary Kurippu went on to create box-office history in Kerala as well as in Tamil Nadu. The film ran over 200 days in Madras Sapphire Theaters.[citation needed] Mammootty's role as a CBI officer in the above movie got him critical acclaim. Following the success of the first CBI film Oru CBI Diary Kurippu, three more murder mystery sequels were produced with the same cast of characters: Jagratha (1989), Sethurama Iyer CBI (2004) and Nerariyan C.B.I (2005), all directed by K Madhu, penned by S.N. Swamy with Mammootty as Sethurama Iyer, an intelligent but unassuming CBI officer. All CBI films were super hits at box-office.[citation needed] He was a regular in movies of Harikumar, Mohan, P.G. Viswambaran, Sajan and Jeassy etc. The movies by M.T. Vasudevan Nair and Padmarajan, arguably among the best of Malayalam writer-directors, widened Mammootty's acting horizon. Two of M.T. Vasudevan Nair’s films with autobiographical elements were acted by Mammootty. One was Aksharangal directed by I.V. Sasi and the other was Sukrutham directed by Harikumar.

Mammootty touched the pinnacle of his career in Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (roughly translated as 'A northern heroic folklore'); the film was directed by T.Hariharan and penned by M.T.Vasudevan Nair. His depiction of a Chekavan (warrior) of distinguished valor but vilified by circumstances won him the top honors of the country, National Film Award for Best Actor. Along with the huge commercial success of the movie, Mammooty was given rave reviews about his lead role in the movie, which required heavy physical and phsychological preparations. Mammootty's performance in Mathilukal directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan was also considered for the award. His role as a hunter Varunni in Mrugaya, directed by I.V. Sasi, and another film Mahayanam, was also scanned for the State Award. Mammootty won the Filmfare award for Amaram directed by Bharathan. He played the role of an uneducated fisherman who dreams of making his only daughter a doctor.

During this time, Mammootty appeared in many of the films directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan's. He starred in three of his movies, Anantharam ('Thenceforth'), Mathilukal ('Walls') and Vidheyan ('The Servile'). His portrayal of the protagonist in Mathilukal (based on 'Mathilukal', a novel by the ace Malayalam novelist Vaikom Muhammad Basheer) was instrumental in getting him his first National Film Award for Best Actor. Mammootty also portrayed the roles in Adoor Gopalakrishnan's Vidheyan and TV Chandran's Ponthan Mada. He received the National Film Award for Best Actor and State Award for his fulfillment of the roles in both films. His performance in Valtsalyam directed by Cochin Haneefa was also considered for the State Award. The King, scripted by Renji Panikkar, was released in 1995 and was directed by Shaji Kailas. Mammootty played the central character as a District collector and it turned out to be the biggest hit of the year. His performance as 'Thevalliparambil Joseph Alex' was much appreciated as one of the most powerful characters in his career.[citation needed] Mammootty won his third National Film Award for Best Actor for Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar directed by Jabbar Patel and also obtained international fame. His performance in Ambedkar.[15] was much appreciated all across the world.[citation needed]

Current era, 2000-present
Shah Rukh Khan, Mammootty, Juhi Chawla and Mohanlal in an abandoned climax scene in Harikrishnans(1998), directed by Fazil
Shah Rukh Khan, Mammootty, Juhi Chawla and Mohanlal in an abandoned climax scene in Harikrishnans(1998), directed by Fazil

In 2001-2002 period, Mammootty’s career again slumped in Malayalam cinema Industry. During the period, none of his films did well at box-office and he had taken a long break also. But again Mammootty had made an astonishing come back with Chronic Bachelor and Sethurama Iyer CBI during 2004-2005. Sethurama Iyer CBI, was the third film in a series of films starring Mammootty as 'Sethurama Iyer', a sharp and highly intelligent investigative officer of the CBI. The first two movies were Oru CBI Diary Kurippu (1988) and Jagratha (1989). Released in [[January 23, 2004]], the movie became a strutting hit. It broke collection records and became the biggest hit of 2004. After the huge success of Sethurama Iyer CBI, it was Kaazhcha, a realistic portrayal of a Social issues with a razor sharp script and the extraordinary performance of Mammootty makes this film a visual treat. A film filled with visuals of the rustic Kerala and its inhabitants. The simple lives and the social consciousness that an ordinary Keralite has, is brought out well in this film. Mammootty won the State Best Actor Award for his effective performance as 'Operator Madhavan'. The film Kazhcha did well at box-office too. 2004, 2005 in all sense, it was Mammootty’s years and his career graph raised spectacularly after the release of Rajamanikyam directed by debutant Anwar Rasheed. Released during Ramadan 2005, the movie became a swashbuckling hit. It broke all collection records and became the biggest hit of 2005. Rajamanikyam was also touted as the biggest hit of all time ever produced in the Malayalam cinema.[16]

His Karutha Pakshikal, Palunku and Kaiyoppu are well-made, touching films that are rather slow- paced, realistic and shorn of all glamour and glitter, essential factors in a commercial venture. His performances in these films got much appreciation by critics. For Mammootty, the year 2007 started with the big hit Mayavi. Then followed a stylish hitBig B, .His Mission 90 Days Failed in BO and Ore Kadal which earned good revenue and also won many accoclades for his performance as Dr. Nathan, one of his best characters. His latest release, Nasrani, directed by Joshy, is average success at the box office... His latest relase 'Kadha parayumbol' with Sreenivasan and Mukesh already emerged as the X mas winner...The film sold for a record remake rights in 5 different languages ...His next relase 'Raudram' directed by acclaimed script director Ranji Panikar...His character will present the star again in the role of a cop for the 25 th time in his career. His most awaited film Pazhassi Raja, directed by T. Hariharan and penned by M. T. Vasudevan Nair will hit theatres in April, 2008.[17].

Beyond boundaries

Mammootty had crossed the boundaries of Malayalam cinema and acted in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and English films. in 1989, he made his Tamil debut in Maunam Sammatham, directed by K. Madhu and Hindi debut in Thriyathri. He has acted in Tamil films with front-line directors of the industry like K. Balachander and Mani Ratnam. His performance along with Tamil Superstar Rajinikanth in Thalapathi made him a favorite in Tamil. His other Tamil film Kandukondain Kandukondain directed by Rajiv Menon was also a superhit; co-stars of the film were Aishwarya Rai, Tabu and Ajith. His other Tamil super hit films are Marumalarchi, Arasiyal and Makkal Aatchi. Fazil directed Kilippechu Kekkavaa was another successful film that gained box office victory by competing with Rajnikanth and Kamal Hassan films in Tamil Nadu. Aanandam directed by N. Linguswamy and Kaarmegham were also his super hits in Tamil. Mammootty's last Tamil film was Viswa Thulasi. The film was a box office disaster but his acting was noticed in the film.


He made his Bollywood debut in an arty film Thriyathri in 1989. However, his maiden Bollywood film as hero, Dhartiputra went unnoticed. Mammootty, nonetheless made his presence felt on the national level with the biographical film on Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Directed by Jabbar Patel. So realistic was his performance that it was reported thousands who watched the shooting of the film were in tears after the shooting. No wonder, he again bagged the coveted Rajat Kamal for best acting. Mammootty's Sau Jhooth Ek Sach won critical acclaim but the film didn't do well at the box office. Mammootty's Telugu]film Swathi Kiranam was a superhit but the remake in Malayalam titled Pranavam was a failure on home turf.

After a long interval, Mammootty is acting in a new Kollywood film Aruvadai (a bilingual movie), will be released both in Tamil as well as Malayalam. Its Malayalam version titled as Vandemataram. Tamil action hero Arjun Sarja is also doing an important role in the film and the film will have two heroines -- Mamta Mohandas and Sneha.

International fame

Life-like Ambedkar

Mammootty spent almost a year going through books and articles in Dr. Ambedkar his life, his mannerisms etc. The actor had to go through hours of make up and dental manipulations to get the right look. When the movie was finally released, it was widely acclaimed in several leading Film Festivals. People could not believe their eyes when they saw the glamor-king Mammootty in a completed make over. It was life-like Dr. Ambedkar. So convincing and brilliant was his Performance that he was awarded the National Film Award for Best Actor in 1998. Jabbar Patel directed the English language movie Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar about the life of Ambedkar, released in 2000, Sponsored by National Film Development Corporation of India and the Ministry of Social Justice, the film was released after a long and controversial gestation period.

Jabbar Patel comments on Ambedkar and Mammootty:
“ Anyone who has seen the film will agree that Dr Ambedkar could not have been possible without Mammootty. How did the filmmaker settle on him? I was making a film in English and I went all around the world, met and saw actors in Canada, United States and United Kingdom. Physically, many actors in America came close but I was not sure about how they would portray the whole sensibility and inner turmoil. I was also not happy about the gestures. I had shortlisted 2-3 people and knew that it would be troublesome as I would have to get them here and train them. So I was not really happy. Then I decided to do something about Mammootty, who was hiding in my mind for a very long time. ”

So started the entire exercise of doing computer graphics on Mammootty’s face, the results showed that physically he came very close. When the director approached him initially through a third person, the southern superstar laughed off the idea. But once Mammootty agreed to do the role he got into it wholeheartedly. He made several physical changes like shaving off his mustache and his hair to get the receding hairline. According to Dr Patel:
“ He gave a terrific performance. He not only had to look like Ambedkar, but had to smile and get angry like Ambedkar. One can act emotional, show anger and all that. But how do you show that you are intelligent?" And Mammootty achieved that so easily in the film. The actor listened to me very carefully, read the script very carefully, He also requested that we should not take too many rehearsals. So we were very particular to can the shot in one or two takes. Mammootty’s journey was from inwards. He was trying to construct a role from within with a cerebral support. You will notice that he doesn't have many big speeches in the film. But he's still so expressive in silence ”

Films shown in International festivals

His famous work Mathilukal ('The Walls') has been shown in almost 40 International Film festival beginning with Venice. The ace director Adoor Gopalakrishnan said:
“ Among my films, it is Mathilukal which has invited the maximum number of international honors. The sincere co-operation by Mammootty, the actor has played a major role in the success of the movie". ”

The film is an adaptation of the novel Mathilukal by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. The film's music is composed by Vijay Bhaskar. It was well received upon screening at the Venice International Film Festival, and won 4 awards at the National Film Awards in 1990.

Vidheyan, the cinematic adaptation of the novel "Bhaskara Pattelarum Ente Jeevithavum" by Malayalam writer Paul Zachariah explores the master-slave dialectic in a South Karnataka setting. Vidheyan won the State Film Awards for best film and best director for Adoor Gopalakrishnan. Mammootty won the National Film Award and State Film Awardfor this film in 1993. The film also won the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, along with the Interfilm Award - Honorable Mention at the Mannheim-Heidelberg International Film Festival.

Remarks during IIFA 2006
Mammootty during the Hit Parade in Dubai in November 2005, which was conducted in honour of him.
Mammootty during the Hit Parade in Dubai in November 2005, which was conducted in honour of him.

His remarks during the 2006 IIFA Awards ceremony held at Dubai had gained a lot of media and public attention.[citation needed] He openly criticized the organizers of the IIFA Awards for completely ignoring South Indian films. Mammootty suggested that the Bollywood film industry stand up to competition from the South Indian film industry before calling itself International.[citation needed] He commented:
“ Indian cinema is not just Bollywood, and Hindi is not the only language. Why should our films be called South Indian cinema instead of being under the banner of Indian films? ”

Rare distinctions

Mammootty also holds the rare distinction of appearing as hero in an astonishing 35 movies released in a single year, 1986, a feat exceeded only by Prem Nazir who acted in 39 movies as hero released during 1979. Mammootty is the only second star after Prem Nazir to complete 300 films as the hero in Cinema world. Mammootty reached this feat as he completed his latest film with Renjith titled Kaiyoppu. It is incredible that he acted in more than 150 films and done various roles within five years of stint. In Malayalam cinema history, the first star Fan club was started in the name of Mammootty in the late 1980s.

Social commitments

The social commitment of the person Mammootty is evident from the fact that he is involved in more than half a dozen charitable projects aimed at helping the needy people. His presence has made the field of Charity and Social work to grasp upon new heights. In fact, he has become a pillar for the weak to hold, a shoulder for poor and neglected to learn upon and last of all; but not the least, he has become the deity of the emerging religion "social work". He has never quenched for name or fame, but, his humble and simple deeds, done especially for the needy, has made him the icon of selflessness among the numerous other social workers of the world. It is a herculean task for a social worker to project himself from the charms of labels; but he came, he saw and conquered not only the heart of cine-watchers but also of those who are abandoned, who are desperate and who are ignominies.[18]

Humanitarian works

Pain and Palliative Centre

Mammootty is the patron of the Pain and Palliative care Society,[19] a charitable organization in Kerala formed with the aim of improving the quality of life among patients with advanced cancer. He has been the fuel and the engine of the pain and Palliative care centre, situated at Kozhikode, India.[20] More than a thousand numbers of people are getting the benefits which the institution is providing. Mammootty has now put forth a novel project to provide the pain and palliative care to those suffering from cancer, living all over Kerala.

Jeevan Jothi

One of the most astounding, emerging novel projects, in the social work; which the Keralites have ever witnessed. It’s unique in its origin and in its function. When people have to face the economic and financial problems, while seeking treatment for any Ophthalmic diseases, Heart (cardiac) orthopedic diseases, liver diseases, renal dysfunctions, Haemophilia diseases, ENT disorders; The actor, with helping hand which is always ready to supports them. The project is designed in such a manner that not only the keralities, but people from all over India can gain the benefits, it has planned to provide.

The caretaker of street children

Mammootty is the ambassador of a charity project, aiming at the eradication of Child abuse and Child labor. A majority of people in the society has interwoven their hands with Mammootty, in order to, fulfill this mission.[citation needed]

Kazhcha- free eye care and treatment

It is a venture to extend free eye care & treatment to the neglected and downtrodden people of the society. This event is the first of its kind in India, organized in the name of an actors’ fans association. Kazhcha 06-07,[21] which is maintained by Mammootty Fans Welfare Association & Mammootty Times, in association with Little Flower Hospital & Research Centre & Eye Bank Association of Kerala, will surely be a helping hand to eradicate blindness in the underprivileged society. Under this project, around 10,000 people will be receiving free eye treatment and 1000 poor patients will have the opportunity to undergo cataract surgeries free of cost at Little Flower Hospital, Angamaly. The actual cost of each of these surgeries is around Rs.8000/-. In addition to this, all eligible patients, who are selected for surgery, will be given free accommodation, food, medicines and conveyance. This project also includes various programmes to prevent childhood blindness in society. One of the major activities related to this is distribution of free spectacles to the children from socially and economically backward families. The special fund received from the office of the President of India will be utilized for this purpose. Free eye camps will also be conducted at various places in connection to this project.[22]

Donating foods and goods

On the occasion of last Onam, he had donated food items to a thousand families in a Kerala village, Parathodu near Kanjirappally in Kottayam district, which is hit by Chikungunya. The village which was worst hit by the disease claimed the most lives in the state. He has planning this to initiate such measures from the other celebrities also, so that the sufferers will get a maximum benefit, during the seasons.[23] In a press conference Mammootty explained his motives for doing this:
“ I decided to do this because the village has lost the maximum number of people to chikunguniya in the state this year. And this is not a publicity event and I would not be going there to distribute it either. This is done to see that others also come to extend a helping hand to those who are suffering ”

Smart City: Discussions with Dubai Internet City

Mammootty and Dubai-based businessman M.A. Yusuf Ali met with the officials of the Dubai Internet City (DIC) and finally - the proposed Smart City project at Kochi is now within striking distance of the investment-starved state.[24] This project could potentially bring over 90,000 jobs in the Information Technology and allied sectors at Kerala. The much-talked about Rs.15 billion - IT project, which has been in a limbo since the new V.S. Achuthanandan government took over last May, has been revived with Dubai Internet City - officials saying it has agreed to the terms put up by the state. The move came immediately after Mammootty air-dashed to Dubai early this week to hold discussions with DIC officials.[25] Mammootty Explained in Indo-Asian News Service:
“ I think so!, I was in Dubai and held discussions with DIC officials. This was nothing official but I had a keen interest that investment should come to Kerala and I did what I could do ”

.
Akshaya: Information Technology dissemination

Akshaya, the prestigious Information Technology dissemination project of the Government of Kerala,[26] has Mammootty as the star campaigner.[27] He formally took over as the Goodwill Ambassador of Akshaya project on February 26, 2006 at a video networked programme which was linked to all the district headquarters of the state.[28] Mammootty will take up the responsibility of spearheading a campaign by appearing in print and visual media advertisements and other publicity materials that will send the message of Akshaya to the grassroots. He Explained:
“ I am really happy to be associated with this unique project that promises to ring in wholesome change to the perceptions about Kerala as it seeks to make its presence felt in the digital era.[29] ”

Mammootty has now appearing in a new role on television.[30] He has seen giving tips on ways to master the computer keyboard or browse the internet.[31]
“ If we manage to reach the benefits of information technology to the entire population, we would be able to raise ourselves to the levels of a developed society. I understand that the Akshaya project has been launched with this objective. I am sure this unique project will go to make the State a fully empowered knowledge society.[32] ”

Akshaya, Kerala’s mass computer literacy campaign which has bagged several awards, has roped in the multilingual star to popularize the programme.[33] Now launching e-lite-literacy programme in Kerala with Mircosoft.[34]

Television career

He is the current Chairman of Malayalam Communications,[35] which runs some popular Malayalam TV channels like Kairali TV, People TV and Channel We. etc.

Mammootty formed a television production company, Megabytes, which has produced some television serials, the first being Jwalayay in the late 1996s, which was also his first project as a producer.[36]. Jwalayay created history in Malayalam television.[37] He had started a distribution company named Mammootty Technotainment.[citation needed] It has distributed his Tamil film Karmegham in Kerala. It gets the first share from the distribution rights.

Other activities

Mammootty was appointed as the Global Brand ambassador of the Kerala-based South Indian Bank on October 16, 2006.[38][39] The Bank chairman said this was taking into consideration the huge following Mammootty enjoys among the NRIs and his image as a clean, pan-Indian actor.[40][41]

Publications

Mammootty has turned writer with his first book Kazhchapadu (roughly translated as Perspective) a compilation of short essays he has written in various publications over the years.[42] M. T. Vasudevan Nair the doyen of Malayalam writers and a personal friend of Mammootty issued the first copy of the book published by the famous Current Books, Trichur to C. V. Sreeraman. Speaking at the occasion, M. T. Vasudevan Nair said:
“ Only those with a wealth of experience in their life can become great artists. Looking back, Mammootty had a lot of memories which he has crafted into essays which makes interesting reading. ”

M. T. Vasudevan Nair was all praise for Mammootty’s style of writing. Mammootty in his speech explained:
“ I have always wanted to be a writer, and had been writing even when I was a student. I hadn't published anything though, After trying to be a singer and a writer then only I became an actor. ”

Fortunate escapes from accidents

Mammootty was injured in a car accident in Nirmala city near Kattappana, Idukki. He was on his way to shooting at Idukki. Mammootty was working in director Blessy's film Palunku. The accident happened on the morning of November 17, 2006.His car got into a minor accident when it collided with a private bus. Mammootty was slightly injured in his hand. He was administered first aid at a nearby private hospital. Soon afterwards, he left for the shooting spot. Since his car was damaged badly, he was taken to the shooting spot in another car. Mammootty informed his fans that there is nothing to worry. Mammootty, who soon returned to the film's sets, said:
“ I cannot afford to take a break. A delay would mean a loss not just to this producer but also other producers.[43] ”

In 2007 February 19, Mammootty met with an accident on the sets of Amal Neerad's Big B that could have even cost his life. Mammootty had a lucky escape during shooting of an action scene of Big B when a flying metal piece from an exploding car missed him by inches. The shoot was stopped immediately. Mammootty explained:
“ I was shooting for a scene where a car was blown up by a petrol bomb. A portion of the exploding car flew inches away from my face. God is great. After the incident we saw it replayed on the video and only then we knew the gravity of the situation. It was a narrow escape.[44] ”

The shooting commenced after a break.
Political rumors

Mammottty was once a KSU member (a student wing of Indian National Congress).[citation needed]There was a rumor prevailing that the Communist Party of India (Marxist) would field him for one of the three Rajya Sabha seats from Kerala during [[June 26, 2004]] elections.[45][46] Later on the news subsided as Mammootty denied any such possibility.[47] Mammootty is known to be close to the Communist Party of India (Marxist).[48] He is the chairman of Malayalam Communications in which the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has a high stake.[49] And he clarified that he had no intention of joining any political party. Film stars in Kerala have maintained a distance from politics, unlike their counterparts in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Controversies

Mammootty, who has a huge fan following in Tamil Nadu as well, was addressing thousands of youth who had gathered for the inaugural session of the eighth national conference of the Democratic Youth Federation of India, In May 2007, at Chennai.[50][51] Mammootty in his speech said:
“ I memorize all my scripts for films, but what I am saying today is from my heart ”

He stressed that the Gujarat carnage in 2002 'would not have happened' if the youth wings had been stronger in that state. Mammootty also saw a greater role for political parties in strife-torn Jammu and Kashmir. This statement did not go down well with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. The prominent stars like Mammootty take part in conventions like Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), it will strengthen the ruling Marxist party and spell doom for the Indian National Congress to come to power.[52] This has led to police protection being extended to the actor and also his house at Ernakulam. But his comments about globalization went unnoticed.

Mammootty has denied allegations by the Indian National Congress party in Kerala that he had constructed buildings on encroached lands in the hill station of Munnar and Kochi.[53] In a statement issued from Chennai, where he is shooting for his film Pazhassi Raja, Mammootty said: "I do not possess any unlawfully acquired land in Kerala or any other state.[54]. He added that if any lapse had occurred in any land dealings without his knowledge, he was "prepared to return the land without any condition”. "I spoke at the DYFI conference only as an ordinary citizen of India. I did not level any charge in my speech against any particular leader or movement," he explained:
“ "Don't read too much politics into it. I am inaugurating that event because the DYFI asked me to. If the Congress asks me to inaugurate their meeting, I may do that too," ”

He was offered to act as Coca-Cola's Brand ambassador in Kerala during March 2004.[55] But, pressure from various quarters, it seems, has prompted the Megastar to give up the ambitious offer.[56] Several environmental groups were calling for the soft drink's boycott. Ending a weeklong debate in the media over the propriety of his promoting the Coca-Cola brands in the State, he issued a statement denying that he had taken up the role of a Brand ambassador.[57][58]

During the celebration of his new release Roudram, Mammootty was accused of slapping a fan. In an interview, he denied the allegation and said "I could sense that the passion was running high when I arrived for the promo because my new film was running in several theatres across north Kerala. The fans were excited to see me and for me, fans mean everything. Seeing the mood and the fervour of my fans, I opened the roof of my car and stood up. As soon as I stood up, fans rushed to my moving car and wanted to touch me. Isn't it a natural thing to happen? Stars are often mobbed. But soon I noticed that things were moving out of control and people were coming closer to my car. I was really concerned about the safety of those who were near my car and I started warning them". [59]

Awards, honors and recognitions
National Film Awards
Preceded by
Premji
for Piravi Best Actor - Silver Lotus Award
for Mathilukal
Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha
1990 Succeeded by
Amitabh Bachchan
for Agneepath
Preceded by
Mithun Chakraborty
for Tahader Katha Best Actor - Silver Lotus Award
for Ponthan Mada, Vidheyan
1994 Succeeded by
Nana Patekar
for Krantiveer
Preceded by
Suresh Gopi
for Kaliyattam
Balachandra Menon
for Samaantharangal Best Actor - Silver Lotus Award
for Dr. Ambedkar
1999 Succeeded by
Mohanlal
for Vaanaprastham
Kerala State Film Awards
Preceded by
Nedumudi Venu
for Chamaram Best Supporting Actor
for Ahimsa
1981 Succeeded by
Thilakan
for Yavanika
Preceded by
Bharath Gopi
for Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku Best Actor
for Adiyozhukkukal
1984 Succeeded by
Bharath Gopi
for Chidambaram
Preceded by
' Special Jury Mention
for Yathra, Nirakkoottu
1985 Succeeded by
'
Preceded by
Premji
for Piravi Best Actor
for Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha
Mrigaya, Mahayanam
1989 Succeeded by
Thilakan
for Perumthachan
Preceded by
Murali
for Aadharam Best Actor
for Vidheyan, Ponthan Mada, Valtsalyam
1993 Succeeded by
Thilakan
for Gamanam, Santhanagopalam
Preceded by
Nedumudi Venu
for Margam Best Actor
for Kaazhcha
2004 Succeeded by
Mohanlal
for Thanmatra
Filmfare Awards
Preceded by
' Best Actor
for Adiyozhukkukal
1984 Succeeded by
Himself
for Yathra, Nirakkoottu
Preceded by
Himself
for Adiyozhukkukal Best Actor
for Yathra, Nirakkoottu
1985 Succeeded by
Mohanlal
for Sanmasullavarkku Samadhaanam
Preceded by
' Best Actor
for Mathilukal
1990 Succeeded by
Himself
for Amaram
Preceded by
Himself
for Mathilukal Best Actor
for Amaram
1991 Succeeded by
'
Preceded by
' Best Actor
for Bhoothakkannadi
1997 Succeeded by
'
Preceded by
' Best Actor
for Arayannagalude Veedu
2001 Succeeded by
'
Preceded by
' Best Actor
for Kaazhcha
2004 Succeeded by
Mohanlal
for Thanmatra
Preceded by
Mohanlal
for Thanmatra Best Actor
for Karutha Pakshikal
2006 Succeeded by
Mohanlal
for Paradesi