As of January 2026, Manju Warrier is 47 years old, yet her influence on Indian cinema—particularly Malayalam film—remains as vibrant and impactful as ever. Revered not only for her exceptional acting prowess but also for her grace, resilience, and off-screen advocacy, Warrier has carved a unique space in the hearts of audiences across generations. From her meteoric rise in the 1990s to her triumphant comeback after a decade-long hiatus, her journey reflects both personal strength and professional excellence.
Table of Contents
Personal Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manju Warrier |
| Date of Birth | October 14, 1978 |
| Age (as of Jan 2026) | 47 years |
| Place of Birth | Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Hometown | Alappuzha, Kerala, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Marital Status | Divorced (from actor Dileep; married 1998–2015) |
| Children | One daughter (Meenakshi) |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Commerce |
| Other Professions | Classical dancer (Kuchipudi), theatre artist, social activist |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram and Facebook; known for thoughtful engagement with fans |
Career Highlights
| Period | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1995 | Film debut with Sakshyam |
| Mid–Late 1990s | Became one of the highest-paid and most sought-after actresses in Malayalam cinema |
| 2000 | Took a break from films following her marriage to Dileep |
| 2014 | Made a powerful comeback with How Old Are You? |
| Post-2014 | Re-established herself as a leading actress with strong, performance-driven roles |
| 2018–Present | Expanded into production, theatre, and pan-Indian projects |
| 2023 | Featured in multilingual films including Tamil and Telugu |
Awards & Achievements
| Award | Year(s) | Work |
|---|---|---|
| Kerala State Film Award – Special Jury Mention | 1996 | Ee Puzhayum Kadannu |
| Filmfare Award South – Best Actress (Malayalam) | 1997, 1998, 2015 | Kaliyattam, Aaraam Thampuran, How Old Are You? |
| Asianet Film Award – Best Actress | Multiple years | Various films |
| SIIMA Award – Best Actress | 2015 | How Old Are You? |
| Vanitha Film Award – Best Actress | 2015, 2018 | How Old Are You?, Aami |
| Honorary Doctorate | 2019 | Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit |
| Padma Shri Nomination Consideration | Publicly cited in media discussions | — |
Notable Works
| Film | Year | Role/Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Ee Puzhayum Kadannu | 1996 | Breakthrough role; established her as a leading actress |
| Kaliyattam | 1997 | Critically acclaimed adaptation of Othello; won multiple awards |
| Aaraam Thampuran | 1997 | Blockbuster action-drama; iconic pairing with Mohanlal |
| Pathram | 1999 | Powerful performance in investigative journalism-themed thriller |
| How Old Are You? | 2014 | Comeback film; feminist narrative about self-discovery |
| Aami | 2018 | Portrayed poet Kamala Surayya; lauded for emotional depth |
| Prathi Poovankozhi | 2019 | Tackled themes of sexual harassment and female solidarity |
| My Santa | 2019 | Family drama showcasing maternal strength |
| Vellam | 2021 | Rural drama highlighting alcoholism and redemption |
| Padmini | 2023 | Comedy-drama exploring female friendship and midlife aspirations |
Life Story, Career Journey, and Accomplishments
Born in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, in 1978, Manju Warrier was raised in Alappuzha, Kerala, in a traditional Nair family. From a young age, she displayed a deep passion for classical dance, particularly Kuchipudi, which would later inform her expressive screen presence. Despite having no initial ambitions for cinema, she was discovered by director Vinayan and made her debut at just 16 in the 1995 film Sakshyam. However, it was her performance in Ee Puzhayum Kadannu (1996) that catapulted her to stardom, earning her critical praise and a massive fan following.
The late 1990s marked the golden phase of her early career. In quick succession, she delivered powerhouse performances in films like Kaliyattam—a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Othello, where she played a nuanced role opposite Suresh Gopi—and Aaraam Thampuran, a commercial blockbuster that showcased her chemistry with superstar Mohanlal. Known for choosing scripts with strong female characters, Warrier quickly became synonymous with intelligent, independent women on screen, setting her apart from many of her contemporaries.
In 2000, at the height of her fame, she stepped away from cinema following her marriage to actor Dileep. For over a decade, she focused on her family, classical dance, and personal growth. Her return in 2014 with How Old Are You? was nothing short of revolutionary. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews and written by Bobby-Sanjay, the film centered on a middle-aged woman reclaiming her identity—a narrative that mirrored Warrier’s own life. The film was both a critical and commercial success, earning her numerous awards and reaffirming her status as a top-tier performer.
Since her comeback, Warrier has consistently chosen roles that challenge stereotypes and amplify women’s voices. In Aami (2018), she embodied the celebrated Malayalam poet Kamala Das (Kamala Surayya) with remarkable sensitivity. In Prathi Poovankozhi (2019), she portrayed a woman confronting workplace harassment, sparking important conversations about gender justice in Kerala. Beyond acting, she co-founded the theatre group “Navarasa” and launched her own production house, further expanding her creative footprint.
Off-screen, Warrier is admired for her humility, intellect, and activism. She has spoken openly about mental health, gender equality, and the importance of education. In 2019, she was conferred an honorary doctorate in recognition of her contributions to arts and culture. Though divorced from Dileep in 2015 amid a highly publicized legal case involving him, she has maintained dignity and privacy regarding her personal life, focusing instead on raising her daughter and advancing her career.
Today, at 47, Manju Warrier stands not just as an actress but as a cultural icon—a symbol of reinvention, resilience, and quiet strength. Her ability to evolve with the times while staying true to her artistic integrity ensures that her legacy will continue to inspire future generations in Indian cinema and beyond.
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