The evergreen icon of Malayalam cinema, Mohanlal—affectionately known to millions as Lalettan—is celebrating his 66th birthday. Across a legendary career spanning nearly five decades, he has delivered countless blockbusters. The secret behind his enduring youthfulness and vitality? A meticulously disciplined diet and an unwavering commitment to personal fitness.

Inside Mohanlal's unique diet blueprint

Lalettan's approach to food is as fascinating as his onscreen performances. He is far from a reckless eater.

According to Rajesh, a veteran production assistant who has served food on Malayalam film sets for over 30 years, Mohanlal’s dedication is unmatched.

Speaking on Club FM’s The Crew Club, Rajesh revealed that when the superstar is on a strict diet, he survives entirely on coconut milk porridge (paalkanji) three times a day.

The location menu: While many stars prefer private catering, Lalettan chooses to eat directly from the crew's mess. He genuinely prefers simple, freshly cooked set meals over extravagant external catering.

Breakfast: Typically features comforting classics like idli, poori and either semolina (rava) or finger millet (ragi) upma.

Lunch: A traditional spread of parboiled rice, flavourful fish curry and fried fish. While chicken or red meat (beef/mutton) features on alternating weekdays, Sundays are reserved for a grand crew-wide Biryani feast.
 


The red meat exception

 

In October 2022, lifestyle guru Dr Jaison Paulson shared an insightful Instagram video alongside Mohanlal, noting: "I have never served Lal Sir red meat. However, today, he indulged in it for lunch."


Defying gravity at 66

Back in July 2023, the actor stunned fans by posting an Instagram video where he casually smashed a 100 kg deadlift. Even at 66, his supreme fitness levels and disciplined lifestyle continue to leave generations of fans in absolute awe.