Mohanlal Birthday: When The South Superstar Said He Is Not Interested In Bollywood

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MAY 21,2024

With movies and series heroizing the story, the language barrier is slowly but surely blurring. This is only encouraging a beautiful amalgamation of actors from across the industries to collaborate and give us some exceptional content. Mohanlal, a South Indian superstar who became one of the first actors to also debut in Bollywood, is a prominent name across the country.

The Malayalam actor has done some incredible work across all four regional languages down south. He started his Hindi film journey with the 2002 release of Company.

As Mohanlal celebrates his 64th birthday today, here's a throwback to when the Jailer actor opened up about why Bollywood doesn't interest him anymore.

Mohanlal on not working in Hindi films

At a time when the young debutants in the South Indian film industry are looking for a breakthrough in Bollywood, the Malayalam superstar has rather contrary views. Despite the Hindi film industry having a much wider viewership, Mohanlal feels he has nothing more to prove here as an actor.

The Drishyam actor made his acting debut in the Malayalam film industry in 1978 with Thiranottam, a film that never saw the light of day. Later in 1980, he grabbed the lead role of an antagonist in Manjil Virinja Pookkal. He was just 20 years old.

Also Read: 5 Must Watch Mohanlal Films

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He went on to do several such movies before he was established as a dependable and talented actor. Mohanlal became a household name with the 1986 release of Rajavinte Makan.

Also Read: Mohanlal Starrer Drishyam To Get A Hollywood Remake

When asked why he wasn't interested in working with Bollywood, the L360 actor said, "I have been working for 33 years there what should I come and prove in the Hindi industry? I am content and happy with my own language. Now if I get a very good and irresistible role, then I will try and do a film here. I don't want to prove anything."

"Lot of people, most of the actresses start from South. They are newcomers. They are trying to do Hindi films as the reach is big. There are so many factors. For actors like me, it is fine," the 64-year-old added.

More about Mohanlal's Bollywood debut

The Lucifer actor made his debut in the Hindi film industry in 2002 with Ram Gopal Verma's Company. The movie introduced him as a prominent face to the Hinid-speaking audience.

The film also starred Vivek Oberoi in a key role. Mohanlal went on to win the IIFA star screen award for his incredible performance in the film.



He was again seen in RGV's Aag, a remake of Sholay. Mohanlal played the role of the lead protagonist, Narasimham, a by-the-book cop who is on a mission to get ahold of the ruthless criminal, Babban Singh, played by Amitabh Bachchan.

While the film was a box-office disappointment, the South Indian superstar's acting was highly appreciated by fans and moviegoers. After this, he hasn't been keen on working in Bollywood.

Radio City wishes Mohanlal a very happy birthday.