Manju Warrier is one of the most respected and popular actresses in Malayalam cinema. She is known for choosing different types of roles and for her strong screen presence. Apart from acting, she is also a trained classical dancer, producer and occasional playback singer.
Her career is interesting because she became a major star at a young age, took a long break from films after marriage, and then made a successful comeback many years later. Her return to the screen with How Old Are You? became an important turning point in her second phase of acting.
Over the years, Manju Warrier has worked in Malayalam and Tamil films and has acted alongside leading stars such as Mohanlal, Dileep, Jayaram, Mammootty, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Dhanush and Ajith Kumar.
As of September 2026, she remains active in films. Her upcoming Malayalam project Odiyan: The Age of Illusion, directed by Rahul Sadasivan and starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Manju Warrier, began production in September 2026.
Who Is Manju Warrier?
Manju Warrier is an Indian actress, dancer and producer who mainly works in Malayalam cinema. She is often popularly called the “Lady Superstar” of Malayalam cinema.
She started her film career in the 1990s and quickly became one of the leading actresses of her generation. Her early performances in films such as Sallapam, Thooval Kottaram, Ee Puzhayum Kadannu, Aaraam Thampuran, Kanmadam and Kaliyattam established her as a talented performer.
After a break from acting, she returned to films in 2014 with How Old Are You?. Her comeback was widely noticed and opened a new chapter in her career.
She later expanded her work beyond Malayalam cinema by appearing in Tamil films, including Asuran, Thunivu, Vettaiyan, Viduthalai Part 2 and Mr. X.
Manju Warrier Biography Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manju Warrier |
| Profession | Actress, Dancer, Producer |
| Known For | Malayalam Cinema |
| Popular Name | Lady Superstar |
| Birthplace | Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Native Place | Pullu, Thrissur, Kerala |
| Birth Date | 10 September is widely reported; some online sources differ on the year |
| Current Age | 47 years according to the commonly reported 1979 birth year |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Mother Tongue | Malayalam |
| Debut Film | Sakshyam |
| Film Debut Year | 1995 |
| Comeback Film | How Old Are You? |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Former Husband | Dileep |
| Daughter | Meenakshi |
| Brother | Madhu Warrier |
| Main Industry | Malayalam Film Industry |
| Other Film Industry | Tamil Cinema |
| Profession Besides Acting | Classical Dancer and Producer |
Manju Warrier’s Age
Manju Warrier’s age is one of the most searched details about her. Publicly available biographies do not completely agree about her birth year. The most commonly cited profile information gives her birth date as 10 September 1979.
Based on that commonly reported birth year, Manju Warrier is 47 years old in September 2026.
Some online biography pages instead list 1978 as her birth year, which would make her 48. Because of this inconsistency, readers may find different ages on different websites.
Despite being in her late 40s, Manju continues to work actively in the film industry and remains known for maintaining a fit and energetic lifestyle.
Early Life
Manju Warrier was born in Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu and comes from a Malayali family with roots in Thrissur, Kerala. Her family later lived in different parts of Kerala because of her father’s work.
From childhood, Manju showed a strong interest in dance. She became particularly known for her talent in classical dance and participated actively in youth festivals.
During her school years, she won the Kalathilakam title at the Kerala Youth Festival for two consecutive years. This achievement helped her gain recognition even before she became a film actress.
Her early interest in dance also became an important part of her identity. Even after becoming a successful actress, she continued to remain connected with classical dance.
Educational Details
Manju Warrier completed her schooling in different institutions in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Her education was affected by her family’s relocation, which meant that she attended more than one school.
She is associated with the following educational institutions:
| Education | Institution |
|---|---|
| Primary/School Education | CSI Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Nagercoil |
| School Education | Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Kannur |
| Higher Secondary Education | Chovva Higher Secondary School, Kannur |
| College | Sree Narayana College, Kannur |
| Higher Qualification | Graduate-level education is commonly reported |
While education was important in her early life, dance and cultural activities were also a major part of her school years.
Manju Warrier Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
| Physical Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Around 5 feet 4 inches / 163 cm |
| Weight | Around 54–55 kg |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Body Type | Slim and fit |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Appearance | Elegant and natural |
| Fitness Style | Dance, active lifestyle and outdoor activities |
Parents and Family Background
Manju Warrier was born into a Malayali family. Her father, T. V. Madhavan Warrier, is commonly described in biographies as an accountant. Her mother, Girija, has been described as a homemaker in several profiles.
She has a brother named Madhu Warrier, who is also associated with the Malayalam film industry as an actor, producer and filmmaker.
Manju’s family background was not that of a traditional film family, but her artistic interests developed at an early age. Her success in dance competitions gave her an early connection with the performing arts.
Her family life later became a subject of public attention because of her marriage to actor Dileep and their daughter, Meenakshi.
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Manju Warrier Career
Beginning of Her Acting Career
Manju Warrier entered Malayalam cinema in the mid-1990s. Her first film was Sakshyam, released in 1995.
Although it was her first film, she soon started receiving more important roles. Her natural acting style and ability to portray emotional characters helped her become popular with Malayalam audiences.
Her breakthrough period came with films such as Sallapam and Thooval Kottaram.
Success With Sallapam
Sallapam was one of the films that made Manju Warrier a familiar face among Malayalam movie audiences.
The film also featured Dileep, with whom she later married. Her performance helped establish her as one of the promising young actresses of the period.
Ee Puzhayum Kadannu
One of the biggest milestones in her early career was Ee Puzhayum Kadannu.
Her performance in the film earned her the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress. This was an important recognition because she was still very young at the time.
The film demonstrated that Manju was capable of handling serious and emotionally demanding characters.
Aaraam Thampuran
Manju appeared opposite Mohanlal in Aaraam Thampuran, one of the major Malayalam commercial films of the late 1990s.
The film became highly successful and remains an important title in both actors’ filmographies.
Her character Unnimaya gave her another opportunity to work in a large-scale commercial film.
Kaliyattam
Kaliyattam was another significant film from her first phase of acting.
The film was inspired by Shakespeare’s Othello and featured Suresh Gopi in the lead role. Manju’s performance added to her reputation as an actress capable of handling serious subjects.
Kanmadam
In Kanmadam, Manju worked with Mohanlal and once again received appreciation for her performance.
The film became another important part of her successful 1990s career.
National Award Recognition
Manju’s performance in Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu was especially important. Her portrayal of Bhadra earned her a Special Mention at the National Film Awards.
The film also demonstrated her willingness to take on challenging roles instead of limiting herself to conventional commercial characters.
Break From Cinema
After her marriage to actor Dileep in 1998, Manju Warrier stepped away from acting.
Her first career had lasted only a few years, but she had already established herself as one of the most prominent actresses in Malayalam cinema.
Her decision to leave films made her absence particularly noticeable because she was at the peak of her popularity.
Comeback With How Old Are You?
Manju Warrier returned to the big screen in 2014 with How Old Are You?
The film was directed by Rosshan Andrrews and became an important comeback vehicle for the actress.
She played Nirupama Rajeev, a middle-aged woman trying to rediscover her confidence and identity. The subject connected with many viewers and gave Manju a role that was quite different from the young characters she had played during the 1990s.
Her comeback was considered an important moment in Malayalam cinema.
Second Phase of Her Career
After her return, Manju became much more selective about her roles.
She appeared in films including:
- Ennum Eppozhum
- Rani Padmini
- Jo and the Boy
- Vettah
- Karinkunnam 6’s
- Udaharanam Sujatha
- C/O Saira Banu
- Aami
- Prathi Poovankozhi
- Lucifer
- The Priest
- Chathur Mukham
- Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham
- Lalitham Sundaram
- Meri Awas Suno
- Jack N Jill
Her second innings showed that she could play mature characters and adapt to changing styles of Malayalam cinema.
Manju Warrier in Tamil Cinema
Manju expanded her career into Tamil cinema with Asuran in 2019.
She played the character Pachaiyammal opposite Dhanush. The film was directed by Vetri Maaran and became a major commercial and critical success.
Her performance also brought her Tamil Nadu State Film Award recognition.
She later appeared in other Tamil films, including Thunivu, Vettaiyan, Viduthalai Part 2 and Mr. X.
This phase helped Manju reach audiences outside Kerala as well.
Recent and Upcoming Career
Manju Warrier continues to be active in cinema.
Some of her recent projects include Tamil films such as Vettaiyan, Viduthalai Part 2 and Mr. X, along with Malayalam cinema projects.
One of the latest projects attracting attention in 2026 is Odiyan: The Age of Illusion , directed by Rahul Sadasivan and starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Manju Warrier.
Production of the film began in September 2026. The movie is described as a folklore-based horror project set against the cultural background of Kerala.
The film is also notable because it brings Dharma Productions into Malayalam cinema in association with Prithviraj Productions.
Manju Warrier Films & TV Shows
| Year | Film/Show | Role/Association |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Sakshyam | Film debut |
| 1996 | Sallapam | Radha |
| 1996 | Thooval Kottaram | Devaprabha |
| 1996 | Ee Puzhayum Kadannu | Anjali |
| 1996 | Dilliwala Rajakumaran | Maya |
| 1996 | Kaliveedu | Mrudula |
| 1997 | Aaraam Thampuran | Unnimaya |
| 1997 | Kaliyattam | Thamara |
| 1997 | Kudamattam | Gauri |
| 1997 | Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu | Meenakshi |
| 1998 | Kanmadam | Bhanu |
| 1998 | Daya | Daya |
| 1998 | Pranayavarnangal | Film role |
| 1998 | Summer in Bethlehem | Abhirami |
| 1999 | Pathram | Devika |
| 1999 | Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu | Bhadra |
| 2014 | How Old Are You? | Nirupama Rajeev |
| 2017 | Udaharanam Sujatha | Sujatha |
| 2018 | Aami | Madhavikutty |
| 2019 | Asuran | Pachaiyammal |
| 2019 | Prathi Poovankozhi | Madhuri |
| 2019 | Lucifer | Priyadarshini Ramdas |
| 2021 | The Priest | Diana |
| 2021 | Chathur Mukham | Thejaswini |
| 2021 | Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham | Subaida |
| 2022 | Lalitham Sundaram | Annie |
| 2022 | Meri Awas Suno | Renuka |
| 2022 | Jack N Jill | Kanchana |
| 2023 | Thunivu | Kanmani |
| 2024 | Vettaiyan | Film role |
| 2024 | Viduthalai Part 2 | Film role |
| 2024 | Footage | Film role |
| 2025 | L2: Empuraan | Film role |
| 2026 | Mr. X | Tamil film |
| 2026 | Odiyan: The Age of Illusion | Upcoming Malayalam film |
Manju Warrier Husband and Personal Life
Manju Warrier married Malayalam actor Dileep on 20 October 1998. Their marriage took place at the Aluva Sri Krishna Temple.
The couple have a daughter named Meenakshi.
Manju and Dileep later separated, and their divorce was finalized in January 2015. Since then, Manju has generally kept her personal life away from unnecessary public discussion.
Her personal journey has often received attention because she successfully returned to acting after years away from cinema.
Manju is also known for her passion for classical dance. She has continued to perform and has remained connected with cultural activities even while maintaining a busy film career.
Awards and Honours
Manju Warrier has received several major awards during her career.
- National Film Award – Special Mention for Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu
- Kerala State Film Award – Best Actress for Ee Puzhayum Kadannu
- Tamil Nadu State Film Award – Best Actress for Asuran
- Filmfare Awards South – Best Actress honours for multiple Malayalam films
- Kerala Film Critics Association Awards
- Asianet Film Awards
- Vanitha Film Awards
- Asiavision Awards
- South Indian International Movie Awards
- Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi recognition for Kuchipudi
- Various honours for her contribution to Malayalam cinema and classical dance
Her awards are spread across both phases of her career, showing that her recognition did not end with her first period of acting.
Favourite Things
| Category | Commonly Associated Preference |
|---|---|
| Favourite Activity | Dancing |
| Classical Dance | Kuchipudi |
| Hobby | Dance and travelling |
| Adventure Interest | Motorcycling |
| Favourite Work Area | Acting and performing arts |
| Fitness Interest | Active lifestyle |
| Travel Interest | Long-distance and adventure trips |
| Preferred Style | Elegant and simple fashion |
| Professional Passion | Cinema and classical arts |
Car Collection and Assets
Manju Warrier is known to have an interest in automobiles and motorcycles.
Public reports have associated her with a Range Rover, an electric car and a Maruti Baleno. However, celebrity vehicle collections can change over time, and there is no complete officially published list of all vehicles owned by her.
One particularly well-known vehicle associated with Manju is her BMW R 1250 GS adventure motorcycle. She obtained her two-wheeler licence after becoming interested in motorcycle travel, with her Ladakh trip with actor Ajith Kumar often mentioned in connection with that interest.
The BMW R 1250 GS is designed for long-distance touring and off-road riding and is known for its powerful engine and adventure-focused design.
Because ownership details can change, it is safer to consider the following as publicly reported or associated vehicles rather than a complete current garage list.
| Vehicle | Type | Status/Information |
|---|---|---|
| BMW R 1250 GS | Adventure Motorcycle | Publicly reported as owned |
| Range Rover | SUV | Publicly associated with her |
| Maruti Baleno | Hatchback | Publicly associated with her |
| Electric Car | Electric Vehicle | Reported in media |
| Other Vehicles | Not fully confirmed | Complete current collection is not publicly documented |
Fitness and Lifestyle
Manju Warrier has maintained an active lifestyle for many years. Dance has been an important part of her life since childhood, and classical dance requires flexibility, balance and physical discipline.
Her interest in motorcycling has also added an adventurous side to her lifestyle. She has spoken publicly about learning to ride and has taken part in long-distance motorcycle journeys.
Rather than being known only for gym-based fitness, Manju’s lifestyle is closely connected with movement, dance, travel and outdoor activities.
Her appearance in her 40s has also attracted attention because she continues to maintain a youthful and energetic screen presence.
Manju Warrier Net Worth and Income
Manju Warrier’s exact net worth is not officially disclosed.
Several entertainment websites and media reports have published estimates, with some recent reports placing her overall wealth at around ₹150 crore. This figure should be treated as an estimate rather than a confirmed financial statement.
Her income is believed to come from several sources, including acting fees, brand endorsements, commercial appearances, production-related work and other professional activities.
Some reports have suggested that her film remuneration can range from approximately ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore or more depending on the project. However, film fees are normally negotiated privately and can differ considerably from one movie to another.
| Income/Asset Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | Around ₹150 crore in some recent reports |
| Film Income | Reported in the broad range of ₹50 lakh–₹1 crore+ for selected projects |
| Brand Endorsements | Important additional income source |
| Television/Commercial Work | Additional source |
| Production | Associated with selected projects |
| Real Estate | Details not completely public |
| Vehicles | Includes publicly reported premium vehicles |
| Exact Annual Income | Not officially disclosed |
Controversies
Like many well-known film personalities, Manju Warrier has occasionally been connected with public controversies and media discussions.
Her divorce from Dileep received significant public attention, partly because both were major personalities in Malayalam cinema. Manju has generally avoided discussing many personal matters in detail.
In 2026, her name also appeared in a controversy involving filmmaker Sanal Kumar Sasidharan. The matter involved public allegations and responses on social media, and statements from different people involved have been reported differently.
Because the issue involves disputed claims, it is important not to treat allegations as established facts. Public discussion surrounding celebrities can also become exaggerated through social media.
The safest approach is to distinguish confirmed events from statements or allegations made by individuals involved.
Interesting Facts About Manju Warrier
- Manju Warrier entered Malayalam cinema in the 1990s.
- Her debut film was Sakshyam.
- She became a major star while she was still very young.
- She won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress during her early career.
- She received National Film Award recognition for Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu.
- She took a long break from acting after marriage.
- She returned to cinema in 2014 with How Old Are You?
- Her comeback became one of the notable comeback stories in Malayalam cinema.
- She is a trained classical dancer.
- She won the Kalathilakam title at the Kerala Youth Festival for two consecutive years during her school days.
- She has worked with leading Malayalam stars including Mohanlal, Mammootty, Jayaram and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
- She entered Tamil cinema with Asuran.
- Her performance in Asuran earned her Tamil Nadu State Film Award recognition.
- She has appeared alongside Ajith Kumar in Thunivu.
- She is interested in adventure motorcycling.
- She owns or has been publicly associated with a BMW R 1250 GS motorcycle.
- Her brother Madhu Warrier is also connected with the Malayalam film industry.
- She has worked as an actress as well as a producer.
- Her upcoming Odiyan: The Age of Illusion began production in September 2026.
- Her career covers two very different periods: her highly successful 1990s phase and her post-2014 comeback phase.
Social Media Accounts
Manju Warrier maintains a public presence on social media, although fans should be careful because many accounts using celebrity names are unofficial.
| Platform | Account | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| @manju.warrier | 4.1M followers | |
| The Manju Warrier | ||
| X | Manju Warrier | |
| YouTube | No consistently verified personal channel identified |
Conclusion
Manju Warrier is one of the most recognizable actresses associated with Malayalam cinema. Her journey began with a successful teenage career, followed by a long break and then an impressive return to the screen.
She has won major awards, worked in both Malayalam and Tamil cinema, explored production and continued her passion for classical dance. Her performances in films such as Ee Puzhayum Kadannu, Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu, Aaraam Thampuran, How Old Are You?, Udaharanam Sujatha, Lucifer and Asuran represent different stages of her career.
At 47 according to the commonly reported 1979 birth year, she remains professionally active. Her latest projects, including Odiyan: The Age of Illusion, show that she continues to take on new challenges rather than staying limited to one type of role.
Her career is a good example of how an actor can leave the spotlight, return years later and build a new identity while remaining connected to the audience.
FAQs
How old is Manju Warrier in 2026?
Manju Warrier is commonly reported to have been born on 10 September 1979. Based on that information, she is 47 years old in September 2026.
When did Manju Warrier start her acting career?
She made her Malayalam film debut with Sakshyam in 1995.
What is Manju Warrier’s most famous comeback film?
Her major comeback film was How Old Are You?, released in 2014.
Who is Manju Warrier’s husband?
Manju Warrier was married to actor Dileep. They married in 1998 and divorced in 2015.
Does Manju Warrier have children?
Yes. She has a daughter named Meenakshi.
Who are Manju Warrier’s parents?
Her father is commonly identified as T. V. Madhavan Warrier, while her mother is Girija.
Who is Manju Warrier’s brother?
Her brother is Madhu Warrier, who is also associated with the Malayalam film industry.
What is Manju Warrier’s height?
Her height is commonly reported as approximately 5 feet 4 inches, or 163 cm.
What is Manju Warrier’s weight?
Her weight is commonly reported at around 54–55 kg.
Has Manju Warrier worked in Tamil films?
Yes. She has appeared in Tamil films including Asuran, Thunivu, Vettaiyan, Viduthalai Part 2 and Mr. X.
Did Manju Warrier win a National Film Award?
Yes. She received a Special Mention at the National Film Awards for her performance in Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu.
What is Manju Warrier’s net worth?
There is no officially confirmed public figure. Some recent media estimates place her net worth at around ₹150 crore.
Does Manju Warrier own a BMW bike?
Yes. She has been publicly reported as owning a BMW R 1250 GS adventure motorcycle.
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