Indian Army Honours Lt Col (Hony) Mohanlal

Indian Army Honours Lt Col (Hony) Mohanlal

Why in News?

The Chief of Army Staff recently honoured Lt Col (Honorary) Mohanlal for his remarkable social contribution and his long-standing commitment to the Armed Forces. 

Who Is Legendary Mohanlal?

• Birth: Mohanlal Viswanathan was born on May 21, 1960, in Elanthoor, located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India.

• Early Life: He was raised in a family with a rich cultural heritage. His father, Viswanathan Nair, was a lawyer and later served as the Law Secretary for the Government of Kerala. His mother, Santhakumari, was a homemaker. The family later moved to Mudavanmugal, Thiruvananthapuram, his maternal home.

• Education: Mohanlal completed his schooling at GLPS Mudavanmugal and Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram. He pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree at Mahatma Gandhi College in Thiruvananthapuram.

• Family Life: In 1988, Mohanlal married Suchitra, the daughter of K. Balaji, a prominent film producer. The couple has two children: Pranav Mohanlal, who has followed in his father’s footsteps into acting, and Vismaya Mohanlal, who is preparing for her acting debut in the film “Thudakkam”.

• Career: Mohanlal’s acting career began in 1978 with a minor role in the film “Thiranottam”. However, his breakthrough came in 1980 with the film “Manjil Virinja Pookal”, where he played the antagonist. Over the years, he has acted in over 400 films across various languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada. His versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters have made him a beloved figure in Indian cinema.

• Awards: Mohanlal’s contributions to Indian cinema have been recognized with numerous awards. 

• 1. Padma Shri (2001): India’s fourth-highest civilian award, conferred for his contributions to the arts.
  2. Padma Bhushan (2019): India’s third-highest civilian award, recognizing his distinguished service in the field of art.
  3. National Film Award for Best Actor: Awarded for his performances in films like “Bharatham” (1991) and “Vaanaprastham” (1999).
  4. Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2025): India’s highest award in cinema, presented for his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.

When Did Mohanlal Join the Indian Army?

• In 2009, renowned Malayalam actor Mohanlal was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army. This distinction marked a significant milestone in his life, intertwining his cinematic fame with a deep commitment to national service.
• On July 9, 2009, Mohanlal was formally inducted into the Territorial Army in a ceremony held in New Delhi. His induction was symbolic, as the Territorial Army allows honorary ranks to individuals who have made significant contributions to society.
• As an honorary Lieutenant Colonel, Mohanlal’s role was primarily ceremonial. He participated in various events and activities organized by the Territorial Army, promoting its values and objectives.

Mohanlal’s Contributions to Social Welfare

• Mohanlal has been a passionate advocate for social causes through the ViswaSanthi Foundation, which he established in 2015. The foundation was named in honor of his parents, Viswanathan Nair and Santhakumari, and aims to create lasting solutions in healthcare, education, skill development, and socio-economic upliftment for underprivileged communities.
• One of the foundation’s notable contributions was during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, when it donated over 200 beds with oxygen support and 10 ICU beds with ventilator support to various hospitals in Kerala.
• In August 2019, the foundation collaborated with Amrita Hospital to provide free heart surgeries for children from socio-economically backward sections.
• In August 2024, following a devastating landslide in Wayanad, Mohanlal announced a ₹3 crore rehabilitation project through the ViswaSanthi Foundation. He personally visited the affected areas, including Mundakkai and Chooralmazha, to assess the damage and express solidarity with the affected communities. 
• On his 65th birthday in May 2025, he announced subsidized liver transplants for children and launched an anti-drug initiative, demonstrating his commitment to addressing critical health and social issues.