Mohamallika Pillai (born 4 November 1954[2]), better known as Mallika Sukumaran, is an Indian actress and businesswoman, known for her works in Malayalam cinema. She debuted in 1974 with the Malayalam film Utharayanam by G. Aravindan. She won the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actress for her role in the 1974 film Swapnadanam.
Mallika's first appearance in television was in a tele-serial by K. K. Rajeev called Peythozhiyathe. She won the Second Best Actress Award in the Kaveri Film Critics Television Awards (2004) for her role in the serial American Dreams. She is well known for playing both comedic and character roles. She made her debut in Tamil cinema with the 2008 film Vaazhthugal. Mallika has also acted in some advertisements and participated in some talk shows and game shows. She ran a restaurant in Doha.
Early life and family
She was born as Mohamallika Pillai to Kainikkara Madhavan Pillai and Shobha as youngest among four children.[3] Her father was a Gandhian and political activist, and was the younger brother of Kainikkara Padmanabha Pillai and Kainikkara Kumara Pillai.[4] She has an elder brother, M. Velayudhan Pillai and two elder sisters, Premachandrika and Ragalathika. She had her primary education from Government Higher Secondary School for Girls, Cotton Hill. She pursued a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram.[5]
Family tree
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Film career
Mallika made her acting debut in 1974 with the Malayalam film Utharayanam directed by G. Aravindan and written by Thikkodiyan. She played the role of Radha. In the same year, she won the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actress for her role of Rosy Cherian in Swapnadanam. Later on, she was known for her antagonistic and comedic roles.[6][7] In 1975, she acted in the film Boy Friend and later in Pichathikutappan (1979), directed by P. Venu. When she married the Malayalam actor Sukumaran, she left her acting career. She sang the song "Ormayundo" in P. P. Govindan's 1977 film Saritha, along with P. Jayachandran.[2]
After a break, she returned to acting with the television serial Peythozhiyathe directed by K. K. Rajeev. Her future daughter-in-law Poornima Indrajith was also part of the cast, it was during its sets that her son Indrajith Sukumaran and Poornima met.[8] Valayam, Snehadooram, Sthree Oru Santhwanam, Harichandhanam, American Dreams, Indhumukhi Chandhramathi and Porutham are some of her popular tele-serials. She also got a film-TV critics award for her role in the serial American Dreams.[9]
Her first movie in her comeback is the Rajasenan movie Meghasandesham. Suresh Gopi was the hero of this movie. Her role in Ranjith's Ammakkilikkoodu was widely appreciated. Recently she has judged the popular reality show Amma Ammmayiyamma, telecasting on Kairali TV. She has acted in some advertisements also.
Her debut Tamil film was Vaazhthugal directed by Seeman.Template:Citation needed In 2016, she won the lifetime achievement award, Chalachithra Prathibha Award, by the Kerala Film Critics Association Award.[10]
Personal life
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After romancing for 10 years, she married then struggling actor Jagathy Sreekumar in 1976, eloping with him to Madras without the consent of her family. Mallika's family was against her decision.[4] However, the couple legally separated in 1979.Template:Citation needed On 17 October 1978, she married Malayalam actor Sukumaran. After her second marriage, she retired from acting.[11] Her sons Prithviraj Sukumaran and Indrajith Sukumaran are leading actors in Malayalam cinema.[12] Actress and television anchor Poornima Indrajith is her daughter-in-law.
In 2012, she opened a beauty and skin clinic in Doha, along with her friend. She holds a residence permit in Doha.[13] In 2013, she launched Spice Boat, a multicuisine restaurant at West Bay, Doha. She is the CEO and the Executive Chairperson of the restaurant. By 2016, the restaurant opened six more outlets around Doha.[14] She has a villa in Doha.[5] She has a house in her hometown of Thiruvananthapuram where she grew up. Her sons are settled in Kochi.[15]
Filmography
Films
1960s
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Karthika | Devaki |
1970s
1980s
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Daaliya Pookkal | ||
| 1981 | Thrishna | Kannamma | |
| 1984 | Pyasa Shaitan | Nabeesa | Hindi Dubbed of Vayanadan Thamban |
| 1985 | Makan Ente Makan | ||
| Chillu Kottaram |
2000s
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Megasandesam | College Professor | |
| 2003 | Sthithi | Shakunthala Nair | |
| Ammakilikkoodu | Saramma | ||
| 2006 | Vrindavanam | ||
| 2007 | Romeoo | Lakshmikutty | |
| Chota Mumbai | Roseley | ||
| 2008 | Vaazhthugal | Kadhiravan's mother | Tamil film |
| Thirakkatha | Sarojam | ||
| 2009 | Calendar | Annamma | |
| Ivar Vivahitharayal | Treesa's mother |
2010s
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Jayan, the Man behind the Legend | Herself | Documentary |
| Ammanilavu | |||
| 2011 | PSC Balan | ||
| 2012 | Njanum Ente Familiyum | Jaininte | |
| 2015 | Oru Yathrayude Anthyam | Arjun's mother | |
| Rockstar | Alice | ||
| 2018 | Kuttanadan Marpappa | Peter's mother | |
| Panchavarnathatha | Kalesh's mother (Sreelatha) | ||
| Ennaalum Sarath..? | Dr. Sam's mother | ||
| 2019 | My Great Grandfather | Michael's mother (Mary) | |
| Marconi Mathai | Renu | ||
| Love Action Drama | Dinesh's mother - Lalitha | ||
| Thrissur Pooram | Adv. Rajalakshmi (Vakkeelamma) |
2020s
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Sara's | Reethamma | [16][17] |
| 2022 | Bro Daddy | John's Ammachi | Released on Hotstar[18][19] |
| Bahumanichu Poyoramma | Saraswathi Amma | Short film | |
| Mahaveeryar | Kaladevi | [20] | |
| Gold | Joshi's mother | [21] | |
| 2023 | Thalla | Major Sara Mathews | Short filmTemplate:Citation needed |
| Santhosham | Leelammachi | [22] | |
| Kunjamminis Hospital | Reetha Uthup Paalamattom (Ammamachi) | ||
| Queen Elizabeth | Gracy | [23] | |
| 2024 | Jamalinte Punjiri | Judge | [24] |
| Bad Boyz | Annie Teacher | [25] | |
| Njan Kandatha Sare | [26] | ||
| 2025 | Vyasanasametham Bandhumithradhikal | Savithri Amma | [27][28] |
| Nancy Rani | Yamuna | [29] | |
| Cake Story | [30] | ||
| Valsala Club | [31] | ||
| 2026 | Prakambanam | Chembothamma | [32] |
- Albums as an actress
- 2020 : Ammakkorummma as Herself
- 2022 : Thanal Thedi as AmmaTemplate:Citation needed
- As assistant director
- Madanolsavam
- Kanyakumari
- 2 Sreekumaran Thampi's movies
- As production controller
- Irakal
- Padayani
Playback singing
- Saritha (1977) - Ormayundo
- My Great Grandfather (2019) - Grandpa
As dubbing artist
- Adavukal Pahinettu (1978) for Seema
- Avalude Ravukal (1978) for Seema
- Vanisri's other language dubbing movies
- Hema Choudhary's other language dubbing movies
- Kalpana other language dubbing movies
- Tamaar Padaar (2014) as Vanitha; Pouran's mother (Voice only)
- 12th Man (2022) as Zakariah's mother (Voice only)
- Kaduva (2022) for Seema
- Alone (2023) as Neighbourhood aunty of Kalidas
- Gaganachari (2024) as voice of Alien Aliyamma[33]
Television
Template:BLP unreferenced section • All the programs are television serials, unless otherwise mentioned.
| Year | Title | Channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Peythoriyathe | Surya TV | as Mrinalini |
| 2001 | Porutham | Surya TV | |
| 2001-2004 | Valayam | DD Malayalam | as Kanaka |
| 2001 | Thaali | Surya TV | |
| 2002 | Snehatheeram | DD Malayalam | |
| 2002 | Innale | Asianet | |
| 2002 | Sneha | Asianet | Producer |
| 2002 | American Dreams | Asianet | as Sara |
| 2002-2003 | Snehadooram | Asianet | |
| Maaya | Kairali TV | ||
| 2004 | Sthree Oru Santhwanam | Asianet | as Sethulakshmi |
| 2004 | Akkare Akkare | Surya TV | |
| 2004-2005 | Life is Beautiful | Asianet | |
| 2005 | Athira X C | Amrita TV | as Principal Telefilm |
| 2005-2006 | Summer in America | Kairali TV | as Reetha |
| 2005-2006 | Indhumukhi Chandramathi | Surya TV | Template:Br list |
| 2006 | Sathi Leelavathi | Amrita TV | as Maria |
| 2007 | Veendum Chila Veettu Visheshangal | Asianet | as Malathy |
| 2008 | Koottukudumbam | Kairali TV | as Shailaja |
| 2008-2009 | Enkilum Ente Gopalakrishna | Asianet | as Gomathiyamma |
| 2009 | Rahasyam | Asianet | |
| 2010-2012 | Harichandanam | Asianet | as Draupathi |
| 2012-2013 | Amma Ammayiyamma | Kairali TV | Judge |
| 2013 | Amma Ammayiyamma 2 | Kairali TV | Judge |
| 2014 | Kudumbapuranam | Jaihind TV | |
| 2015-2016 | Indumukhi Chandramathi 2 | Surya TV | Template:Br list |
| 2017 | Comedy stars season 2 | Asianet | Judge |
| 2017 | Salt N Pepper | Kaumudy TV | Celebrity presenter |
| 2019 | Thakarppan Comedy | Mazhavil Manorama | Judge |
| 2019 – 2020 | Kabani | Zee Keralam | as Kottaramuttam Parvathyamma |
| 2020 | Koodathayi | Flowers TV | as Achamma Mathew |
| 2020–2021 | Life is beautiful season 2 | Asianet | as Vinodhini |
| 2021 | Parayam Nedam | Amrita TV | as Participant |
| 2021 | Ente Maathavu | Surya TV | as Molly |
| 2022–present | Oru Chiri Iru Chiri Bumper Chiri | Mazhavil Manorama | Judge (Recurring) |
| 2022 | MY G Flowers Oru Kodi | Flowers TV | as Participant |
| 2022 | Red Carpet | Amrita TV | as Mentor |
| 2022–2023 | Surabhiyum Suhasiniyum | Flowers TV | as Suhasini |
| 2023 | Comedy Masters | Amrita TV | as Judge |
| 2023 | Aniyathipraavu (TV series) | Surya TV | Herself; Guest appearance |
| 2023 | Entamma Superaa | Mazhavil Manorama | Grand finale jury |
| 2024-2025 | Surabhiyum Suhasiniyum 2 | Flowers TV | as Suhasini[34] |
References
- ↑ Quilon Gazetteer. Archive.org(1975). Retrieved 2024-04-02.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 മക്കളും കൊച്ചുമക്കളും ചേര്ന്ന് ആഘോഷമാക്കിയ പിറന്നാള്; ചിത്രങ്ങള്. Indian Express Malayalam(6 November 2020). Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ↑ CINIDIARY - A Complete Online Malayalam Cinema News Portal. cinidiary.com.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Template:Cite AV media
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 അതു വിട്ടുകളയുക, എല്ലാം ശരിയാകും! മല്ലിക മടങ്ങിയെത്തിയപ്പോൾ അച്ഛൻ പറഞ്ഞത്. Vanitha.
- ↑ Prithviraj and Indrajith wishes mom Mallika Sukumaran on her birthday. The Times of India(4 November 2021). Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ↑ :: Mallika Sukumaran mother of Prithviraj South Indian Bold Actor Malayalam, Tamil, movie, cinema. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
- ↑ Did you know Poornima and Indrajith met each other via Mallika Sukumaran?. The Times of India(9 March 2021). Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ↑ Kerala News : TV critics' awards announced. The Hindu(19 February 2005).Template:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore
- ↑ Malayalam Actor Innocent gets Chalachithra Rathnam Award. The New Indian Express(27 May 2016). Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ↑ എന്തൊരു സുന്ദരിയാണ് അമ്മ, അപൂർവചിത്രം പങ്കുവെച്ച് ഇന്ദ്രജിത്തും പൂർണിമയും. Mathrubhumi(20 February 2020). Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ↑ അമ്മയായും അമ്മായിയമ്മയായും, Interview - Mathrubhumi Movies. Retrieved 19 December 2013.
- ↑ Mallika Sukumaran to settle in Doha. The Times of India(10 January 2017). Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ↑ Restaurant opens five new outlets. Gulf Times(16 March 2016). Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ↑ Mallika Sukumaran is not ready to leave Thiruvananthapuram for these reasons. Keralakaumudi Daily(9 September 2020). Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ↑ Sara’s choice. The Times of India(2021-08-07). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
- ↑ Prithviraj Sukumaran On Directing "Greatest Ever Mom" Mallika And "All-Time Great Actor" Mohanlal In Bro Daddy. NDTV. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
- ↑ Prithviraj is overjoyed to direct Mohanlal and his mother Mallika Sukumaran in Bro Daddy, see photo. The Indian Express(2021-09-01). Retrieved 2023-03-07.
- ↑ Prithviraj Sukumaran On Directing "Greatest Ever Mom" Mallika And "All-Time Great Actor" Mohanlal In Bro Daddy. NDTV. Retrieved 2025-04-20.
- ↑ 'Mahaveeryar' trailer is out and there is no doubt the film is different. OnManorama. Retrieved 2023-03-07.
- ↑ Gold Movie Review: Prithviraj, Nayanthara and Alphonse Puthren's film could have been a short film. India Today(December 2022). Retrieved 2023-03-07.
- ↑ Anu Sithara is a protective sister like her character in 'Santhosham'. OnManorama. Retrieved 2023-03-07.
- ↑ Meera Jasmine and Narain's Queen Elizabeth gets a release date. Cinema Express(13 December 2023). Retrieved 2023-12-20.
- ↑ Jamalinte Punjiri To Sree Muthappan, 3 Malayalam Films Releasing This Week. News18(2024-06-06). Retrieved 2024-06-06.
- ↑ It's a wrap for Omar Lulu's 'Bad Boyz'. The Times Of India(2024-07-09). Retrieved 2025-04-14.
- ↑ Indrajith Sukumaran-starrer Njan Kandatha Sare gets a release date, Santhosh, Vivek. Cinema Express(2024-11-08). Retrieved 2025-01-25.
- ↑ Anaswara, Siju Sunny and others in 'Vysanasametham Bandhumithradhikal', Service, Express News. The New Indian Express(2024-11-16). Retrieved 2025-01-27.
- ↑ Anaswara Rajan-Siju Sunny Starrer Vysanasametham Bandhumithradhikal Starts Rolling!. Times Now(2024-11-17). Retrieved 2025-01-27.
- ↑ Ahaana Krishna to play a die-hard Mammootty fan in Nancy Rani, second poster out. OTTPlay(2022-11-02). Retrieved 2025-06-26.
- ↑ Ashokan, Mallika Sukumaran headline Cake Story. Cinema Express(2023-05-10). Retrieved 2025-04-14.
- ↑ Valsala Club OTT release: Here's where to watch Roopesh Peethambaran's latest film online. OTTPlay(15 October 2025). Retrieved 18 October 2025.
- ↑ Ganapathi and Sagar Surya to lead Prakambanam, title poster unveiled. Cinema Express(2025-04-04). Retrieved 2025-04-14.
- ↑ ആ സിനിമയില് ശബ്ദം കൊടുത്തത് ഞാനാണ്, പലരും എനിക്ക് മെസേജയച്ചപ്പോള് സന്തോഷം തോന്നി: മല്ലിക സുകുമാരന്. Dool News(2024-06-11). Retrieved 2024-10-26.
- ↑ 9 വർഷങ്ങൾക്ക് ശേഷം മിനിസ്ക്രീനിലേക്ക് അശ്വതി; ആശംസകളുമായി ആരാധകർ. Asianet News.