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Long before Mammootty became one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema, he was a lawyer in Ernakulam earning Rs 50 per film appearance and quietly nursing a passion for acting that had not yet found its footing. The story of how that changed and how a single recommendation from the late actor Sreenivasan set the wheels in motion is one of Malayalam cinema's most cherished behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and it has resurfaced online with renewed emotional resonance. In a now-viral interview with Kairali TV, Sreenivasan recalled how he suggested Mammootty's name for the film 'Mela,' how the actor travelled to Madras to complete his dubbing work, and the moment he handed Mammootty an Rs 800 payment that left the future superstar visibly stunned.

How did 'Mela' become a turning point?

The film 'Mela' played an important role in Mammootty’s early journey. Interestingly, Sreenivasan suggested his name for the project. In the film, Mammootty played Vijayan, a bike jumper and friend of the protagonist.

Recalling the moment, the late actor Sreenivasan once told Kairali TV in an interview, “They were looking for a smart and good-looking young man for the role. When I heard that, I suggested Mammootty, who was based in Ernakulam at the time. He was working as a lawyer and had already acted in 'Vilkkanundu Swapnangal'. Since Mela’s cinematographer Ramachandra Babu had headed the department in that film, he was familiar with Mammootty and backed my suggestion, saying he would be perfect for the role. That’s how Mammootty became part of Mela.”

Mammootty's Rs 800 salary moment One of the most striking moments from Mammootty’s early career came during the dubbing phase in Madras. It was then that he received his remuneration for Mela.

Sreenivasan recalled, “As Mammootty was about to leave after finishing his dubbing work, I handed him the payment given by the producers. He was shocked to see the amount—Rs 800. Until then, he had received only Rs 50 for his role in Vilkkanundu Swapnangal, so the difference clearly surprised him. He told me, ‘I’m going to have a blast in Ernakulam with this money.’ That’s when I realised he wasn’t earning much from his work as a lawyer.”

Following this opportunity, Mammootty developed a fondness for Sreenivasan. However, Sreenivasan clarified his role in the actor’s journey.

He said, “As the person who secured him the opportunity in Mela, Mammootty began showing a special fondness towards me. However, I didn’t suggest him for his sake, but for Mela’s sake. I have no role in his growth as an actor. I believe a person’s rise and fall depend entirely on their own talent. If one lacks the ability to act, no amount of recommendation will make them an actor."

Mammootty's struggle to stardom Today, Mammootty stands as a towering figure in Indian cinema. His journey from a struggling actor earning Rs 50 to becoming a superstar is surely inspiring. Meanwhile, the actor also went through a bad phase in his career until the film 'New Delhi' boosted his stardom. On the other hand, Mammootty and Mohanlal will be next seen in 'Patriot'.