Full Name: Manju Warrier
Date of Birth: September 10, 1978
Place of Birth: Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, India
Nickname: Lady Superstar
Early Life and Education:
- Born into a Malayali family; father Madhavan Warrier, mother Girija Warrier.
- Raised in Kannur, Kerala.
- Developed a passion for dance from a young age, winning numerous awards in classical dance competitions.
- Attended Chovva Higher Secondary School and later pursued her higher studies in Kerala.
Film Career:
- Made her acting debut at the age of 17 in Sallapam (1995), which became a huge success.
- Quickly became one of the most sought-after actresses in Malayalam cinema during the late 1990s.
- Known for her powerful performances and strong female characters, Manju Warrier has acted in more than 40 films.
- Took a 14-year break from acting after her marriage, making a highly successful comeback with How Old Are You (2014).
Key Films:
- Sallapam (1996)
- Kanmadam (1998)
- Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu (1999)
- How Old Are You (2014)
- C/O Saira Banu (2017)
- Lucifer (2019)
- The Priest (2021)
Awards and Honors:
- Won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Ee Puzhayum Kadannu (1996).
- Numerous Filmfare and Asianet Film Awards for Best Actress.
- Honored with the prestigious Padma Shri in 2023 for her contributions to cinema.
Personal Life:
- Was married to actor Dileep; the couple later divorced.
- Has one daughter, Meenakshi Dileep.
Other Contributions:
- A trained classical dancer, Manju has performed on many prominent stages across India.
- Actively involved in social work, particularly in women’s empowerment and child welfare causes.
- A published author, with her memoir Sallapam receiving critical acclaim.
Public Image:
- Revered as the ‘Lady Superstar’ of Malayalam cinema for her impactful roles and immense popularity.
- Known for her grace, poise, and strong on-screen presence.
- An inspiration to many for her career comeback and personal resilience.
Business Ventures:
- Involved in various endorsement deals and business ventures, including acting as a brand ambassador for several products and campaigns.