Latest news with #ManiyanpillaRaju
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Giving up was never an option for me: Actor Maniyanpilla Raju
His next-door-neighbourly charm has been alluring to Malayali audiences for the past 50 years. His stint as a producer too was equally successful with many hit films including Aye Auto and Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu to his credit. In an interaction with TNIE, Maniyanpilla Raju opens up about his journey filled with ups and downs, close ties with the 'Big Ms' of Mollywood, how the industry has changed over the years, how he happened to identify talents like Rahman and Prithviraj, and how he survived cancer. Excerpts: How do you reflect on your 50-year-long film career? I hail from a non-artistic background, but my passion has always driven me. After being rejected by the Pune Film Institute, I went to the Adyar Film Institute where I was selected as the first Malayali acting student. K Balachander and M N Rajam chose me for the screen test, marking the true beginning of my journey. I graduated in 1975 and started off with Mohiniyattom, directed by Sreekumaran Thampi. I was never ready to give up and that has made me what I am today. At the time, few pursued acting as a formal study. Did your family support your decision? I have been passionate about acting since school and viewed it as my path forward. My father used to tell me that I wasn't good at studies, so I should enrol for LLB (laughs out). During my time at the film institute, I managed with Rs 100 a month. Initially, I stayed in a good hostel in Madras, then moved to Uma Lodge in Kodambakkam. I shared a small, sweltering top-storey room with another person for Rs 45. Mallika, my classmate from Model School, introduced me to Sreekumaran Thampi. When I met him with my portfolio, he bluntly said I wouldn't make it in an industry dominated by Adoor Bhasi and Prem Nazir. 'Have you ever checked your face in the mirror?' he asked. He even advised me to return home by the evening train. But soon after, he called to offer me a small role in Mohiniyattom... and that became my cinema entry.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Maniyanpilla Raju on his cancer battle: Mammootty and Mohanlal's support gave me strength to survive
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Veteran Malayalam actor and producer Maniyanpilla Raju has opened up emotionally about his recent battle with cancer, crediting superstar friends Mammootty and Mohanlal for helping him find the strength to fight through the toughest phase of his life. In a heartfelt interview with Vanitha, Maniyanpilla Raju shared how their presence and words became his anchor during a time when he felt shattered. Mammootty's encouragement - 'Eda, you need to fight and come back' Maniyanpilla Raju vividly recalled the moment he was first diagnosed with cancer and the despair that followed. 'When I learned I had cancer, I was devastated,' he admitted. But his longtime friend Mammootty's powerful words gave him a sense of purpose. 'I called Mammootty and told him. He simply said, 'Eda, you need to fight and come back.' That gave me strength again.' Mammootty's firm advice reminded Raju that life isn't measured by how long one lives, but by how bravely one faces the challenges. Thudarum - Official Teaser Mohanlal and Mammootty's personal visits brought comfort Despite their packed schedules, both Mammootty and Mohanlal made time to visit Raju at his home during treatment. 'Mohanlal is someone who doesn't even have a minute to spare. Mammootty had to come from Ernakulam to Thiruvananthapuram. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thị trường có dấu hiệu suy thoái không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The fact that they sat with me, comforted me — that meant so much,' Maniyanpilla Raju said. Other close friends, like actors Ganesh Kumar, Ranjith, and Achankunju, were among the few allowed to visit him due to his weakened immunity. 'I don't think my life is over' The illness took a physical toll — Maniyanpilla Raju lost 16 kilos, can't handle spicy food, and is still rebuilding his strength. Yet, his ambition remains undiminished. 'I don't think my life is over. I will act again. I will produce films again,' he affirmed confidently. Drawing inspiration from the late actor Innocent, who survived cancer for over a decade, Maniyanpilla Raju believes today's treatments offer real hope. 'There's no reason to fear cancer anymore. A diagnosis doesn't mean life is over. I'm still standing, and I plan to be here for a long time.' he declared, smiling through the pain, ready to face the camera once more. On the work front, Maniyanpilla Raju was last seen in the Mohanlal and Tharun Moorthy's drama thriller film 'Thudarum'. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
New Indian Express
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Maniyanpilla Raju confirms producing Mohanlal-Krishand film
Veteran actor and producer Maniyanpilla Raju confirmed in a recent interview that he will be producing an upcoming film starring Mohanlal, to be directed by acclaimed filmmaker Krishand. The project, currently in development, has completed its first round of discussions. Krishand, a National Award-winning director, is best known for his critically lauded films like Aavasavyuham and Purusha Pretham. Speaking about their collaboration, Maniyanpilla Raju noted the growing popularity of Krishand among audiences aged 18 to 45, highlighting the filmmaker's strong resonance with contemporary viewers. He also added that Krishand is currently filming Masthishka Maranam, in which Raju's son, Niranj Maniyanpilla Raju, plays the lead. Additionally, Krishand's upcoming web series Sambhava Vivaranam Naalara Sangham, set to release on SonyLIV, also features Niranj in a prominent role. The new announcement comes at a time when Mohanlal's latest release Thudarum, in which Maniyanpilla Raju also plays a prominent role, continues to dominate the box office. The film is nearing its third week in theatres and remains a major draw for audiences. Meanwhile, the 4K and Dolby Atmos rerelease of Chotta Mumbai, also produced by Maniyanpilla Raju, has been postponed. Initially slated for May 21 on the occasion of Mohanlal's birthday, the rerelease has been pushed due to the continued theatrical success of Thudarum. The makers have not yet announced a new date.
New Indian Express
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Maniyanpilla Raju reveals cancer diagnosis while wrapping up filming of 'Thudarum'
Veteran Malayalam actor Maniyanpilla Raju has shared that he was diagnosed with throat cancer last year. The actor spoke about his health during a recent reunion of 1980s film stars held in Kochi. He also confirmed that he has now fully recovered. Raju said the cancer was found while he was working on a film soon after finishing Thudarum, which stars Mohanlal in the lead. He felt a sharp pain in his ear on the way back from a shoot, which led to medical tests. An MRI scan later revealed cancer at the base of his tongue, close to the throat. "I was diagnosed with cancer last year. After working on Thudarum, I started shooting for another film called Bha. Bha. Ba. On my way back, I had ear pain.
