Biography

Mohan (born 23 August 1956) is an Indian actor, known for his works predominantly in Tamil cinema, and a few Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam films. He is also known as "Kokila Mohan" after his debut film Kokila (1977),^[2][3] and "Mic Mohan" from numerous roles playing singers using microphones.^[4][5][6] In 1982, he received the Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Actor for his work in Payanangal Mudivathillai.^[3][7]

Career[edit]

Mohan was introduced to the world of theatre by B. V. Karanth, who spotted him at a restaurant. Mohan's first stage play was praised by critics from places like Delhi. Mohan was introduced to the cinema industry through Kannada film industry by Balu Mahendra in his movie Kokila in 1977 alongside Tamil actor Kamal Haasan. Kokila was a hit and Mohan was catapulted into the limelight; since release of Moodu Pani in 1980 he became one of the biggest stars of the Tamil cinema industry. Mohan was called in the industry as the 'silver jubilee hero' in the 1980s for almost all movies featuring the actor that witnessed a fantastic run.^[8]

After Kokila, Mohan starred in a Malayalam movie titled Madaalasa (1978). Furthermore, immediately after the success of the Malayalam movie, Mohan went on to sign a Telugu film titled Thoorpu Velle Railu (1979), which was a remake of the Tamil film Kizhakke Pogum Rail. The Telugu version was directed by Bapu. After that Mohan was introduced in the Tamil film Nenjathai Killathe (1980) by director Mahendran.^[9] The film ran for a year and won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.^[10] After his films began to be either silver jubilee or over 200 days most of the time. He became a big star in Payanangal Mudivathillai (1982) winning the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.^[11]

He was best known for his stage singer roles and people had a general thought that he was not versatile. At the peak of his career, he was not afraid to take up challenging negative roles in films like Vidhi (1984), Nooravathu Naal (1984)^[12] and comedies like Rettai Vaal Kuruvi (1987),^[13] Sahadevan Mahadevan (1988).

In 1985 he created a record of releasing 3 films in a span of 2 days. In Chennai Devi theatre complex, 3 screens filmed his three movies simultaneously and all were huge success. So far no actor can replace his record.

Mohan played a major role in the lifetime of production company Motherland Pictures and its producer Kovaithambi. He donned his best performance in the critically acclaimed Mouna Ragam (1986), winning the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil and gave recognition to the director Mani Ratnam.^[14][15]

Almost all his films were good musical albums (Ilaiyaraaja), which feature songs that are still remembered after 25 years. Mohan is still talked about every time a conversation springs up for 80s films or Ilaiyaraaja's songs.

He tried hard to stage a comeback by producing, directing besides playing the lead role in a movie titled Anbulla Kadhalukku (1999). Unfortunately, his bad luck continued and the movie disappeared from the box office without any trace. Mohan stated that when not acting, he is busy producing television serials like Acham Madam Nanam, Selvangal, Hasiyaramayana and Brindavanam. Aside from that, he is also doing charity works and spends time with his family.

He declined to do the role of Jayam Ravi's father in Unakkum Enakkum (2006), which was later played by K. Bhagyaraj. Mohan again played the hero after a hiatus of 9 years in Sutta Pazham released in 2008.^[16] The film was a low budget fare which helped the producer and distributors enjoy the profit.

Mohan's Civic Cinema has already produced Thalappavu (2008), the Prithviraj-Lal starrer, the debut directorial venture of popular actor Madhupal.^[17] In 2022, it was announced that Mohan would be returning to Tamil cinema with Haraa.^[18]

Personal life[edit]

Mohan married Gowri in 1987.

Filmography[edit]