‘He spotted me on set; first-ever audition in my life’: Malavika Mohanan on Mammootty’s role in her career

Kochi: Actress Malavika Mohanan, who was recently seen opposite Mohanlal in Sathyan Anthikad’s Hridayapoorvam, has shared a heartfelt note recalling how veteran actor Mammootty played a crucial role in launching her career.

In a post on X, Malavika shared a picture with Mammootty from the set of her debut film Pattam Pole, which also featured his son Dulquer Salmaan. She revealed that her first-ever “audition” was conducted by the legendary actor himself.

“This was my first ever ‘audition’ in my life. The magnitude of it never hit me back when it was happening, but who gets their first one taken by a legendary actor? Crazy right?” she wrote.

Malavika recalled that Mammootty had spotted her on a film set and recommended her for Pattam Pole, leading to her first role in the industry.

"They were casting for ‘pattam pole’ at the time with Dulquer and mammukka spotted me at a set I was visiting and recommended me for the film, and that’s how I landed my first role ever," she recalled.

“Today, as Hridayapoorvam is being showered with so much love, I can’t help but think of where it all started. And the man who was responsible for me foraying into this world, which I wasn’t really planning on otherwise,” she added.

Extending birthday wishes to Mammootty, she wrote: “Happy birthday @mammootty sir. Thank you for bringing me into the magical world of movies.”

Mammootty celebrated his birthday on Monday, marking the occasion while continuing his recovery after a recent health setback. The superstar, who had been away from the public eye for some time following medical treatment, is preparing for a return to the film industry.

Meanwhile, the Onam release Hridayapoorvam, featuring Mohanlal and Malavika Mohanan in the lead, continues to perform strongly at the box office. The family entertainer, directed by Sathyan Anthikad, has reportedly crossed the ₹50 crore mark worldwide within 10 days of release. The critics and audiences alike have praised the film for its heartwarming narrative, Mohanlal’s effortless charm, and Malavika’s lively performance, calling it one of the season’s biggest crowd-pullers.