By Entertainment Desk | September 10, 2025
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Before her film debut, Manju was a trained classical dancer. She started performing on stage at the age of four and went on to win several awards in youth festivals during her school years.
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She entered the Malayalam film industry at just 17 years old with Sakshyam (1995). Within a year, she became one of the most sought-after heroines of the 1990s.
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Manju acted in 20+ films within just three years, many of which became superhits. Her natural acting style earned her the title of the most talented actress of her generation.
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In 1999, after marrying actor Dileep, she quit acting. At the time, she was considered the top actress in Malayalam cinema.
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After a 14-year hiatus, she made her comeback with How Old Are You? (2014), which became a trendsetter.
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Manju is also an author. She released her book of essays titled Sallapam in 2015, showcasing her thoughts on life, cinema, and society.
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Beyond films, she is actively involved in social work. She has campaigned for organic farming, women’s empowerment, and environmental issues, using her stardom to amplify important causes.
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Manju became the first female brand ambassador of Kalyan Jewellers, joining the brand alongside Amitabh Bachchan.
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Not many know that Manju trained in Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s traditional martial art, for her roles and continues to practice it for fitness.
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Though primarily a Malayalam star, Manju has expanded into Tamil cinema as well, acting opposite Dhanush in Asuran (2019).