Introduction: manju warrier age
Manju Warrier, a legendary actress in the Malayalam film industry, has enthralled audiences with her captivating performances and graceful dance movements for decades. Born on September 10, 1978, she is currently 46 years old as of 2025. Known as the “Lady Superstar of Malayalam Cinema”, her career spans over two decades with critical acclaim and box office success.
This detailed article covers Manju Warrier’s life, career, personal milestones, and achievements in a structured format for better readability.
Wiki Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manju Warrier |
| Date of Birth | September 10, 1978 |
| Age | 46 years (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actress, Dancer, Producer |
| Years Active | 1995 – 1999, 2014 – Present |
| Father | T.V. Madhavan |
| Mother | Girija Madhavan |
| Sibling(s) | Madhu Warrier (Brother) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Dileep, 1998–2015) |
| Children | Meenakshi Dileep |
| Education | CSI Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Chovva Higher Secondary School |
| Debut Film | Sakshyam (1995) |
| Breakthrough Film | Sallapam (1996) |
| Famous Films | Thooval Kottaram, Ee Puzhayum Kadannu, Aaraam Thampuran, How Old Are You, Lucifer, Asuran |
| Awards | National Film Award (Special Mention), Kerala State Film Award, Filmfare Awards South |
| Dancing Style | Bharatanatyam |
| Hobbies | Dance, Reading, Traveling |
| Languages Known | Malayalam, Tamil, English |
| Net Worth | Estimated ₹50-75 Crores (as of 2025) |
| Upcoming Projects | Kayattam, Jack and Jill |
Table of Contents
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Manju Warrier was born on September 10, 1978, in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, into a Malayali family from Pullu, Thrissur, Kerala. Her father, T.V. Madhavan, worked as an accountant, and her mother, Girija Warrier, was a homemaker.
She has an elder brother, Madhu Warrier, who is also an actor and film producer in the Malayalam industry.
Education
Manju completed her education from various institutions, reflecting her father’s job transfers:
- Primary Schooling: CSI Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Nagercoil.
- High School: Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Kannur.
- Higher Secondary: Chovva Higher Secondary School, Kannur.
During her school years, she was an exceptional dancer, winning the Kalathilakam title for two consecutive years at the Kerala School Youth Festival, a prestigious cultural competition.
Entry into the Film Industry
Television Beginnings
Manju Warrier’s entry into the entertainment world began through the television serial “Moharavam” aired on Doordarshan. This initial appearance helped her gain recognition for her acting skills.
Film Debut and Breakthrough
Manju Warrier made her cinematic debut in 1995 with the film “Sakshyam”, directed by Mohan. However, it was the film “Sallapam” (1996) that became a turning point in her career. Starring opposite Dileep, the movie showcased her acting prowess, leading to widespread acclaim.
Major Films in the 90s
Between 1996 and 1999, Manju Warrier became the most sought-after actress in Malayalam cinema. Some of her critically acclaimed movies during this period include:
- Thooval Kottaram (1996) – Romantic drama with Jayaram.
- Ee Puzhayum Kadannu (1996) – Won her the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress.
- Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu (1997) – Heartwarming romance with Jayaram.
- Aaraam Thampuran (1997) – With Mohanlal, a massive hit.
- Kanmadam (1998) – Again alongside Mohanlal, showcasing emotional depth.
- Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu (1999) – Won her National Film Award – Special Mention.
Her natural acting style, powerful expressions, and ability to take on diverse roles made her a household name during the late 90s.
Personal Life and Hiatus
Marriage to Dileep
In 1998, Manju Warrier married prominent Malayalam actor Dileep in a grand ceremony at the Aluva Sri Krishna Temple. The couple had a daughter, Meenakshi Dileep, in 2000.
Career Break and Family Life
After her marriage, Manju Warrier took a 14-year hiatus from acting, dedicating her time to family and raising her daughter. However, personal challenges arose, and the couple eventually separated.
Divorce and Return to Cinema
In 2015, Manju Warrier officially divorced Dileep after a much-publicized separation. Despite the personal turmoil, she made a comeback that became a landmark moment in the Malayalam industry.
Comeback to Cinema (2014)
Return with “How Old Are You?”
After a prolonged break, Manju Warrier made her comeback with the movie “How Old Are You?” in 2014. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews, the film told the story of Nirupama Rajeev, a middle-aged woman rediscovering her identity.
The movie was a massive commercial success, and her performance was widely acclaimed, proving that she could still dominate the industry after a long gap.
Notable Post-Comeback Films
Following the success of her comeback film, Manju Warrier delivered a series of powerful performances:
- Udaharanam Sujatha (2017) – Played a struggling mother working as a maid, earning critical praise.
- Aami (2018) – Portrayed the life of controversial writer Kamala Das.
- Lucifer (2019) – A political thriller alongside Mohanlal, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran.
- Asuran (2019) – Tamil debut with Dhanush, winning acclaim for her powerful role.
Awards and Accolades
Major Awards Won
Manju Warrier has received numerous prestigious awards for her acting skills, including:
- National Film Award – Special Mention: Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu (1999)
- Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress: Ee Puzhayum Kadannu (1996)
- Filmfare Awards South:
- 7 Filmfare Awards South, including Best Actress for How Old Are You? and Udaharanam Sujatha.
- Asianet Film Awards:
- Best Actress (2014, 2017)
- Lifetime Achievement Award (2019)
Dance Achievements
- Winner of the prestigious Kalathilakam title at the Kerala Youth Festival.
- Return to classical dance in 2012 at the Guruvayur Temple received national attention.
Philanthropy and Social Work
Apart from acting, Manju Warrier has been actively involved in various social causes and awareness campaigns:
- She Taxi Initiative: Promoting female-driven taxis in Kerala.
- Kudumbashree Organic Farming: Supporting women farmers and sustainable agriculture.
- Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB): Served as an ambassador for their energy-saving initiatives.
Influence and Legacy
Manju Warrier remains a pioneer in Malayalam cinema, known for her:
- Resilience: Her comeback after a 14-year break was inspiring.
- Versatility: Excelling in both intense dramas and commercial blockbusters.
- Female-Centric Films: Advocated for women empowerment through her film choices.
Recent Projects and Future Prospects
Recent Films
- Prathi Poovankozhi (2019) – A vigilante revenge drama with strong feminist themes.
- The Priest (2021) – A supernatural thriller alongside Mammootty.
Upcoming Projects
- Kayattam: A tribal-themed experimental film.
- Jack and Jill: A Santosh Sivan-directed thriller.
Conclusion
Manju Warrier, at 46 years of age, continues to be a force to reckon with in the Indian film industry. Her journey from a young debutante to a celebrated icon speaks volumes of her talent, grit, and resilience. Her contributions to cinema, dance, and social causes make her an inspirational figure for millions.
As she continues to explore new artistic horizons, Manju Warrier‘s legacy remains firmly etched as one of the most influential actresses in South Indian cinema.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article about Manju Warrier’s age, biography, career, and personal life is based on publicly available sources. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some details may be subject to change. For official updates, please refer to verified sources and official announcements.
