Malavika Mohanan Credits Mammootty For Her Acting Journey

Mammootty, who received an honorary D.Litt. from Mahatma Gandhi University this week, has a huge admirer in Telugu-Tamil-Malayalam actress Malavika Mohanan.

Recalling her first meeting with the Thespian, Malavika said, “My father (cinematographer K.U. Mohanan), was working on a project with Mammootty sir. One day, we visited the sets. I still remember my first impression — Mammootty sir had a completely different aura.”

She reveals that the superstar was surprisingly tech-savvy even in the early 2000s. “He always had the latest gadgets with him. When we met him, he was sitting in a corner scrolling through the latest tablet, while everyone hovered around him from a distance.”

What followed became a defining moment in Malavika’s life. As soon as Mammootty noticed her, he beckoned her over. “Initially, I thought he was calling somebody else because there were so many people around. Then he said, ‘You, come here!’” Malavika walked up to him and introduced herself. “He asked me what I did, and I told him I was in college. I had grown up watching him, so it all felt surreal. I was mesmerised looking at him.” When she mentioned she was in college, Mammootty asked if she wanted to act. “Then he asked me to walk while he recorded me on his tablet. I was very awkward and nervous.” After watching the recording, Mammootty told her, “I think you should act. We are casting for some films, one opposite my son, and you will get a call soon.” According to Malavika, that call eventually came from the director of her first film.