Malayalam actor Mammootty completes 50 years in cinema: Celebs extend wishes

Having acted in over 400 films in more than 5 languages, Mammootty or Muhammad Kutty Ismail Paniparambil celebrated 50 years of acting in cinema on August 6.

File image: The 69-year old started his cinema career in 1971 with the Malayalam movie Anubhavangal Paalichakal, directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan. He started his career in an uncredited role, as a junior artist in this movie.

[Mammootty when he visited Gulf News] In 1998, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri for his contributions to the arts

As of 2021, Mammootty has won three National Film Awards for Best Actor, seven Kerala State Film Awards and thirteen Filmfare Awards South.

A lawyer turned actor: In an IANS interview, the star once said, ""I wanted to become an actor, and accidentally I became a lawyer for a while."

The next generation: The star's son Dulquer Salman has carved out his own place in the industry, even edging Mammootty out at the Kerala State Film Awards 2015.

Fellow actor and Malayalam movie veteran Mohanlal wished Mammootty with a post on social media, and said, "Today, my brother completes 50 glorious years in the film industry. I feel so proud to have shared the screen with him in 55 memorable films and looking forward to many more. Congratulations Ichakka! @mammukka"

Actor Prithviraj also congratulated the star on the milestone, and captioned his post: "50 years of absolute commitment to the craft and medium! Half a century of one of world cinema’s greats! ❤️ @mammootty"