Happy Birthday Mohanlal: A Look at the Malayalam Superstar’s Bollywood Journey

Malayalam cinema’s veteran actor, Mohanlal, turned 63 on May 21, 2023. With a prolific career spanning over four decades, he has delivered numerous superhit films and cult classics. However, did you know that he has also acted in several Bollywood films? On his special day, we take a look at the Hindi cinema films that featured the Malayalam superstar.

“Company” (2002)

Mohanlal made his Bollywood debut with Ram Gopal Varma’s “Company” in 2002. The multi-starrer film saw him alongside Ajay Devgn, Manisha Koirala, Vivek Oberoi, and Antara Mali in the lead. It was the second installment of Varma’s Indian Gangster franchise and based on Dawood Ibrahim’s D-Company.

“Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag” (2007)

Five years after his Hindi debut, Mohanlal returned to work with Varma once again for the 2007 movie “Ram Gopal Verma Ki Aag.” Co-starring Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Sushmita Sen, JD Chakravarthy, and others, it is said to be an adaptation of Bachchan and Dharmendra starrer “Sholay” (1975). While “Sholay” became a cult film, Varma’s film tanked miserably at the box office.

“Halla Bol” (2008)

Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi’s 2008 movie “Halla Bol,” which starred Devgn, Vidya Balan, and Pankaj Kapur in the lead roles, also featured Mohanlal in a cameo. He was part of an award ceremony scene in the film that showcased a hoard of celebrities as themselves, including Mammootty, Sridevi, Rishi Kapoor, and Katrina Kaif, among others.

“Tezz” (2012)

Interestingly, all four of Mohanlal’s Hindi films have starred Devgn. Priyadarshan’s 2012 action-thriller film “Tezz,” starring Devgn, Anil Kapoor, and Kangana Ranaut, saw the Malayalam superstar play an extended cameo in a police officer’s role. In an old interview with Hindustan Times, Mohanlal revealed that he said yes to “Tezz” for his long-time friend Priyandarshan and not for the role.

From playing cops to working with Bollywood legends like Amitabh Bachchan, Mohanlal has left an indelible mark in the Hindi film industry. We wish the legendary actor a very happy birthday and can’t wait to see him on the silver screen again!