Veteran Malayalam actor Mammootty has been honored with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. The award was conferred on Sunday, January 25, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field of art and cinema.
A Moment of National Pride
This recognition represents Mammootty's second Padma Award, having previously received the Padma Shri in 1998. The Padma Bhushan stands as India's third-highest civilian honor, celebrating exceptional service across various domains.
Following the announcement, Mammootty took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his heartfelt gratitude. In a post shared on his timeline, the superstar wrote: "My gratitude to the Motherland. 'Padma Bhushan'. My heartfelt thanks to the nation, the people, and the Government for honoring me with this civilian honour. Republic Day Wishes to everyone."
Double Celebration for the Icon
In addition to the national honor, Mammootty was also presented with the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in the critically acclaimed film 'Bramayugam'. The award ceremony took place on the same day, January 25, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan personally handing over the accolade.
Expressing his appreciation for this regional recognition, Mammootty shared on Facebook: "Honoured to receive the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for Bramayugam from the Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan and Shri Saji Cherian, Minister for Cultural Affairs. My sincere thanks to the Government of Kerala, the jury, and everyone who has supported me on this journey."
What's Next for the Superstar?
Mammootty continues to maintain a busy schedule with multiple exciting projects in the pipeline. His recent appearance in 'Kalamkaval' is currently available for streaming online, while he also made a cameo in the newly released film 'Chatha Pacha'.
Upcoming Film Projects
Patriot: Mammootty's next major release will be 'Patriot', directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan. This project marks a much-anticipated reunion with fellow superstar Mohanlal after a considerable gap. The star-studded cast includes:
- Nayanthara
- Fahadh Faasil
- Kunchacko Boban
The film's makers have officially confirmed that 'Patriot' will hit theaters on April 23, generating significant anticipation among cinema enthusiasts.
Padayaatra: Following this, Mammootty will begin filming for 'Padayaatra', directed by legendary filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan. The film's title was officially launched on January 23, marking the fourth collaboration between Mammootty and Gopalakrishnan after a remarkable 32-year gap since their previous work together on 'Vidheyan'.
The supporting cast for 'Padayaatra' features several talented actors:
- Indrans
- Grace Antony
- Sreeshma Chandran
- Zeenath AP
These dual honors - the Padma Bhushan and Kerala State Film Award - underscore Mammootty's enduring impact on Indian cinema and his continued relevance in the entertainment industry after decades of remarkable performances.