Manju Warrier Biography
Bio

Manju Warrier Biography, Age, Height, Family, Early Life, Film Career, Comeback, Awards, Net Worth and More

Introduction

Manju Warrier is an acclaimed Indian actress and one of the most celebrated performers in Malayalam cinema. Known for her powerful acting, expressive screen presence and natural charm, she dominated Malayalam films in the late 1990s before taking a long break from acting.
Her extraordinary comeback in 2014 made her an even bigger icon, proving her timeless talent and versatile artistry. Today, Manju Warrier is widely regarded as the Lady Superstar of Malayalam cinema.


Manju Warrier Biography / Wiki

Category Details
Full Name Manju Warrier
Date of Birth September 10, 1978
Age 46 years (as of 2024)
Birthplace Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, India
Nationality Indian
Profession Actress, Dancer, Producer
Industry Malayalam Cinema
Height 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
Years Active 1995–1999, 2014–present
Debut Film Sallapam (1996)

Early Life

Manju Warrier was born in Nagercoil but raised in Kerala. She showed talent in dance and stage performance from a young age and won numerous youth festival competitions before entering films.

Childhood Traits

  • Naturally expressive

  • Talented classical dancer

  • Confident performer

  • Hardworking and focused

  • Creative and artistic

Family & Background

  • Father: T. V. Madhavan (worked at Shakthi Finance)

  • Mother: Girija Madhavan

  • Brother: Madhu Warrier (actor & film producer)

  • Belongs to a supportive Malayali family

Her family’s cultural environment strongly influenced her artistic journey.


Education

Manju completed her schooling at:

  • CSI Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Nagercoil

  • Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Kannur

Later, she shifted her focus completely to cinema without pursuing college.


Film Career

Debut & Rise to Stardom (1995–1999)

Manju Warrier made her film debut with Sallapam (1996) opposite Dileep, and her performance was immediately noticed.

Major Early Hits

  • Ee Puzhayum Kadannu

  • Thooval Kottaram

  • Aaraam Thampuran

  • Kanmadam

  • Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu

By the age of 21, she had acted in over 20 films and was considered one of Malayalam cinema’s finest actresses.

Why She Became a Sensation

  • Natural acting style

  • Strong emotional range

  • Ability to portray independent, strong female characters

  • Effortless screen presence

  • Versatility across genres


Break from Cinema (1999–2013)

Manju Warrier stepped away from acting after marriage and maintained a private life for more than a decade.
During this time, she stayed connected to arts through classical dance and cultural events.


Iconic Comeback (2014–Present)

Manju made a grand return with the film How Old Are You? (2014), which became a blockbuster and inspired women across India.

Post-Comeback Hits

  • How Old Are You?

  • Lucifer

  • Odiyan

  • Asuran (Tamil debut with Dhanush)

  • Uyare

  • Vettah

  • Jack and Jill

  • The Priest

Her comeback elevated her status to Lady Superstar and proved her unmatched talent.


Acting Style

Manju Warrier is known for:

  • Naturalistic, expressive acting

  • Strong emotional performances

  • Ability to portray real, relatable women

  • Perfect balance of intensity and softness

  • Exceptional dancing skills

She remains one of the most respected performers in South Indian cinema.


Achievements

  • 1 National Film Award (Special Jury Award)

  • 7 Kerala State Film Awards

  • Filmfare Awards South

  • Vanitha Film Awards

  • Honored by multiple cultural and social organizations

  • Considered a role model for women empowerment

Manju Warrier is widely regarded as one of the greatest Malayalam actresses of all time.


Manju Warrier Net Worth

Estimated Net Worth

₹40–50 Crore (Approx.)

Income Sources

  • Films

  • Brand endorsements

  • Stage shows & dance performances

  • Production ventures

  • Business investments

She is among the highest-paid actresses in Malayalam cinema.


Personal Life

Personal Highlights

  • Married Dileep in 1998 (divorced in 2015)

  • Daughter: Meenakshi

  • Known for simplicity, humility and grace

  • Public advocate for women’s empowerment and self-growth

Interests & Lifestyle

  • Passionate classical dancer

  • Fitness and yoga enthusiast

  • Enjoys travel, reading and charity work

  • Active supporter of social causes


Legacy

Manju Warrier’s legacy goes beyond cinema. She represents strength, resilience and artistic excellence.

What She Represents

  • Empowered womanhood

  • Evolution of Malayalam cinema

  • Authentic and relatable female characters

  • Inspiration for young artists

Her contribution to Indian cinema continues to grow with every new role.


Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Manju Warrier?

46 years old (born September 10, 1978).

What is Manju Warrier famous for?

Her acclaimed Malayalam films, strong performances and successful career comeback.

What was Manju Warrier’s debut film?

Sallapam (1996).

Is Manju Warrier married?

She was married to Dileep (1998–2015). She is currently single.

What is Manju Warrier’s net worth?

Approximately ₹40–50 Crore.


Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not officially connected to Manju Warrier. All details are based on publicly available sources.