Happy Birthday, Manju Warrier: 6 career defining moments of the ‘Lady Superstar’

Manju Warrier is an actress who can fit into any mould, given the demands of her characters. In a short span of four years, Manju Warrier earned the tag of ‘Lady Superstar’, thanks to her many memorable performances. The actress took a break in 2000 and returned to face the camera after 14 years with Rosshan Andrrews’ 'How Old Are You?'. And her comeback was lauded by fans. Manju was last seen in the biggest box office hit of M-town, 'Lucifer'. Coming up next, the actress has signed up for her Tamil debut ‘Asuran’ with acclaimed filmmaker Vetrimaaran. The 40-year-old actor has proved her worth with several applause-worthy performances and here’s taking a look at some noteworthy moments from her illustrious career.

Bankrolled by N Krishnakumar, 'Sallapam' was a perfect debut for Manju. A K Lohithadas, the scriptwriter had suggested Manju Warrier for the movie, who had spotted her in 'Sakshyam'. Initially Annie was to play the part but was replaced by Manju because the team needed a perfect village belle for the movie. Manju essayed Radha, a poor girl and house help. In the climax sequence, when she decides to commit suicide, the audience could feel her despair and pain. As a newbie, she performed with great perfection and was soon flooded with offers.

Soon after the success of 'Sallapam', filmmaker Kamal cast her in 'Ee Puzhayum Kadannu', wherein she was paired opposite Dileep. Manju was all of 18 when she signed up for this film. The film revolved around the story of Gopi, a watch repairman, and his lover Anjali. The movie worked well and also earned Manju Warrier a lot of accolades. Later Manju signed up for films like 'Dilliwala Rajakumaran', 'Thooval Kottaram', and 'Kaliveedu'. All the movies worked well and her performance was also noticed by fans.

Manju Warrier was a go-to actor for commercial movies. But Manju's collaboration with Jayaraj for 'Kaliyattam' opened up other opportunities. In an adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello, Manju played Thamara, a desi Desdemona. Needless to say, 'Kaliyattam' was one of the best performances of Manju’s career and she received a lot of praise from the critics too.

Manju made her presence felt even while sharing the frame with charismatic actor Mohanlal. She was roped in as the lead in 'Aaram Thampuran' opposite Mohanlal and it was one much-loved performance. The actress played the role of Unnimaya, an innocent girl who seeks shelter in Kanimangalam house along with her father. From her impressive acting to adapting the perfect mannerisms, Manju has to be lauded for her hard work.

Manju has portrayed several bold roles in films like 'Daya', 'Kanmadam', 'Pathram' and 'Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu' and paved the way for female-centric cinema. In 'Daya', Manju played the titular, while in Joshiy directed 'Pathram', she essayed Devika, a bold and impulsive journalist. Devika's impressively bold dialogues and character was well handled by Manju. When T K Rajeev Kumar's 'Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu' hit the screens, everyone was left awestruck with her act of Bhadra. She nearly missed a National award for the film.

After 'Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu', at her career peak in 2000, Manju bid adieu to showbiz and decided to dedicate her time to family life. After 14 years, she returned with Rosshan Andrrews directed 'How Old Are You?'. A perfect re-entry for a 36-year-old actor, Manju was welcomed with a hearty applause. Sketching a new path, Manju featured in films like 'Ennum Eppozhum', 'Rani Padmini', 'Vettah' and 'Udaharanam Sujatha' among others.

She recently featured in Malayalam blockbuster 'Lucifer', essaying the role of Priyadharshini. Coming up, Manju has collaborated with cinematographer Santhosh Sivan for his next 'Jack and Jill'. She will also be seen in 'Kayattam', 'Asuran', 'Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham' and 'Prathi Poovankozhi'.