M. M. Alex

Dr. Alex was born as Mathew M. Alex in Kottayam, Kerala. He was the son of Ammini Alex, a panchayat officer and Health officer M. M. Alexander of the Mullasseril house.{{cite web|title = Mullasseril {{!}} Mullasseril Kudumbayogam Kollad|url = http://mullasserilkudumbayogamkollad.com/?page_id=5|website = mullasserilkudumbayogamkollad.com|accessdate = 21 December 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151223052021/http://mullasserilkudumbayogamkollad.com/?page_id=5|archive-date = 23 December 2015|url-status = dead}} He grew up in Kottayam with his elder brother Shaji M. Alex and younger sister Saji M. Alex. He graduated from CMS College Kottayam, before starting his career as an actor.

Mathew later went by his father's name Alex and became M. M. Alex although it is not clear as to why.

File:23-1435052721-thoovanathumbikal-alex.jpg

Alex debuted in the Malayalam Blockbuster "Rajavinte Makan (1986)", as a student leader.{{cite web|title = Actor Alex Mathew dead|url = http://kaumudiglobal.com/innerpage1.php?newsid=66072|website = kaumudiglobal.com|accessdate = 21 December 2015}} The film starred Mohan Lal and Suresh Gopi. It was directed by Thampi Kannanthanam. He continued to reprise the same role in its remake, Makkal En Pakkam (Tamil – 1987). His flair for playing a villain bagged him roles in more than 60 films. He was well noted for his role as "Babu" in the successful film, "Thoovanathumbikal (1987)" starring Mohan Lal and directed by Padmarajan.{{cite web|title = Imprints on Indian Film Screen: M.M.Alex Mathew|url = http://imprintsonindianfilmscreen.blogspot.in/2015/07/alex-mathew-became-familiar-to.html|website = imprintsonindianfilmscreen.blogspot.in|accessdate = 21 December 2015}} His role as an antagonist gained him wide publicity.{{cite web|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGrvhEROIH8|title = Alex Mathew as Babu in Thoovanathumbikal (1987)| website=YouTube | date=13 November 2014 }}{{cite web|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcTP90ZuXZQ|title = Alex with Mohan Lal as Babu, Thoovanathumbikal| website=YouTube | date=24 June 2009 }} He concluded his acting career with the Malayalam film "Parampara (1990)" directed by Sibi Malayil. Though it was at the peak of his acting career, Alex decided to quit and enter the field of alternative medicine and spirituality.{{cite web|title = Mathrubhumi Interviews Dr.M.M. Alex|url = http://mathrubhuminews.in/ee/Programs/Episode/6971/show-guru/E|website = mathrubhuminews.in|accessdate = 21 December 2015|archive-date = 4 January 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160104202426/http://mathrubhuminews.in/ee/Programs/Episode/6971/show-guru/E|url-status = dead}}

File:Dr. Alex with Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam at a conference, IIT Madras.jpg

Dr. M. M. Alex received an honorary doctorate in Indology and alternative medicine from the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.{{cite web|title = 'Thoovanathumbikal' Actor Alex Mathew aka Dr MM Alex Passes Away|url = http://www.ukmalayalee.com/movie-news/news.php?id=MjA5NQ==|website = www.ukmalayalee.com|accessdate = 21 December 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150706090358/http://www.ukmalayalee.com/movie-news/news.php?id=MjA5NQ==|archive-date = 6 July 2015|url-status = dead}} He founded the non-profit organisations Vedik-India Society (2000), E-Ducatus Foundation, Institute of Ancient Integrative Therapies and Research{{cite web|title = When ancient therapies meet modern medicine – Life Positive|url = https://www.lifepositive.com/when-ancient-therapies-meet-modern-medicine/|website = Life Positive|accessdate = 21 December 2015|language = en-US}} with his wife, Anitha Alex.{{cite web|title = Anitha Alex {{!}} Assistant Director {{!}} Maiya|url = http://maiya-themovie.com/anitha-alex/|website = maiya-themovie.com|accessdate = 21 December 2015}}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} He travelled extensively and digitised India district wise to promote Indian culture around the world. He also developed a massive database on 250 common ailments and therapies from eastern disciplines like Ayurveda, Yoga, Mantra, Tantra, Sangeetha Sastra, Manas Ayurveda and Gandharva Veda.{{cite web|title = TEDxDelhi {{!}} TED.com|url = https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/318|website = www.ted.com|accessdate = 21 December 2015}} He worked on merging modern and ancient medical therapies by creating a digital database on medical aspects of various alternative forms of treatment.{{blockquote|"When it comes to health and health care, we are ignorant. Self-realisation about the ancient systems of healing and good living combined with contemporary medicines can help improve the quality of life."{{cite news|title = An alternative route to good health|url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/an-alternative-route-to-good-health/article333476.ece|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 2009-03-17|access-date = 2015-12-21|issn = 0971-751X|language = en-IN}}}}His work involved a comprehensive and integrated understanding of many systems and modules that operate in the fields of:{{cite web|title = Dr. M. M. Alex {{!}} Mediander {{!}} Connects|url = http://www.mediander.com/connects/47744276/dr.-m.-m.-alex/#!/video/|website = Mediander|accessdate = 21 December 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151223052902/http://www.mediander.com/connects/47744276/dr.-m.-m.-alex/#!/video/|archive-date = 23 December 2015|url-status = dead}}

1. Western medical care and research (e.g. diagnostics, current pharmacological/surgical therapies and clinical discovery/trials methodology.
2. Life sciences (biology, biochemistry and genetics).
3. Traditional Indian medical therapies.
4. Astrophysics and their impact on human biology.
5. Current high-impact lifestyle/psychological/psycho-social/environmental issues (e.g. ageing, stress, sleep, circadian rhythms, infertility and electromagnetic field effects/nutrition from GM crops).

With the craft and credibility from the film industry, Alex produced more than 220 documentaries ranging from World religion, education, tourism, Health systems and many other titles. He continued to work on projects for the Tourism of Kerala and other states during the 1990s. His notable works include the documentaries A Vision and Mission to Tirupati,{{cite web|title = Profiles of Murukan Conference Participants: First International Conference on Skanda-Murukan|url = http://murugan.org/events/98_participants.htm|website = murugan.org|accessdate = 21 December 2015}}{{cite web|url = http://drmmalex.com/mission.html|title = drmmalex|last = M.M|first = Alex|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151223064954/http://drmmalex.com/mission.html|archive-date = 23 December 2015|url-status = dead}} 'Alphabet of life' and 'A Pilgrimage to Holy Sabarimala'.{{cite web|title = Filmmaker with a divine mission|url = http://www.thehindu.com/lf/2003/10/20/stories/2003102001430200.htm|website = The Hindu|date = 20 October 2003|accessdate = 21 December 2015}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} It was one of the few documentaries screened in association with the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) festival. Alex conducted a global tour with the support of the Union Department of Tourism. He helped organise the Nishagandhi Dance Festival, Kerala in 1992.{{cite web|title = Nishagandhi Dance and Music Festival 2015|url = https://www.keralatourism.org/nishagandhi|website = www.keralatourism.org|accessdate = 21 December 2015}}

Apart from research and tourism, Alex was a propagator of the Sanskrit language. He was the president of Samskrita Bharati, Tamil Nadu (2005–2015).{{cite web|title = Samskrita Bharati's answer to Discrimination against Sanskrit in TN|url = http://www.haindavakeralam.com/samskrita-bharatis-answer-hk16330|website = Haindava Keralam| date=19 June 2007 |accessdate = 21 December 2015|language = en-US}} The organisation aims to democratise and popularise Sanskrit language by encouraging the use of simple Sanskrit in everyday conversational texts. Alex was also the Head of Sanskrit Academies and Research Institutes for the World Samskrit Book fair.{{cite web|title = National Advisory Board @ World Samskrit Book Fair विश्व संस्कृत पुस्तक मेला|url = http://www.samskritbookfair.org/about/national-advisory-board|website = www.samskritbookfair.org|accessdate = 21 December 2015|archive-date = 23 December 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151223050526/http://www.samskritbookfair.org/about/national-advisory-board|url-status = dead}}

File:Dr.Alex giving a talk at TEDx Delhi.jpg

Dr. Alex had invented a unique custom made audio module called 'Alexonics'.{{cite web|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tlrn2AhcMcc|title = Dr.M.M. Alex at TED.x Delhi| date=28 October 2010 |publisher = TED.xDelhi}} Each module is produced according to an individual's astrological profile resulting in a 93,312 file database. The repeated listening to its vibrations can enhance and regulate the physiological as well as the psychological self. He had worked on this project with Late. Dr. Solomon Victor, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, Dr. B.M. Hegde and Dr. Sandeep, over a span of 25 years. With the ambition to spread world peace, Alex disseminated 'Alexonics' to a few world leaders and world pioneers.{{cite web|title = TEDxDelhi MM Alex Alexonics|url = http://autoutline.ru/watch/Tlrn2AhcMcc-tedxdelhi-mm-alex-alexonics.html|website = autoutline.ru|accessdate = 21 December 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151223044422/http://autoutline.ru/watch/Tlrn2AhcMcc-tedxdelhi-mm-alex-alexonics.html|archive-date = 23 December 2015|url-status = dead}} He was invited to deliver a talk on Alexonics for Ted.x at Delhi in 2010. The product will be available to the public soon.

Dr. Alex conceived a unique ideology to depict the 27 Nakshatras as the wives of the moon (Lord Chandra) in a set of 30 paintings, including those of the Sun god, Moon god and the Cosmic Serpent (Naga). The paintings are based on the Samhitas, Shastras, Vedas, Physics, Meta-physics, Astrophysics and Bio- physics. These are to be auctioned soon.

• He was the Judge for the Malayala Manorama's 3rd Annual Pookalam Festival along with his wife, Anitha Alex September 2005{{cite web|title = Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Coming out with their creative best for Onam|url = http://www.thehindu.com/2005/09/10/stories/2005091006290200.htm|website = The Hindu|date = 10 September 2005|accessdate = 21 December 2015}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Chief guest of the World Sanskrit Day Function held in August 2008.{{cite web|title = Aum: Dr M. M. Alex|url = http://blog.bhadesia.com/2008/08/dr-m-m-alex.html|website = blog.bhadesia.com|accessdate = 21 December 2015}}
• Delivered a lecture on 'Good Health Today with Modern and Ancient Therapies' at the India Habitat Centre, May 2009
• Conducted a 28-day Agnihotra Yagna for World Peace in July 2009.{{cite web|title = The triple eclipse and you|url = http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/article98770.ece?service=print|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151223034015/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/article98770.ece?service=print|url-status = dead|archive-date = 23 December 2015|website = www.newindianexpress.com|accessdate = 21 December 2015}}
• Delivered a lecture on 'Impact of Triple Eclipses- Reality or Myth?' at the India Habitat Centre, Delhi. The event was organised by the Foundation of Peace, September 2009.{{cite web|title = FGG Events|url = http://fggprogrammes.blogspot.in|website = fggprogrammes.blogspot.in|accessdate = 21 December 2015}}
• Was invited as a speaker for TEDx.Delhi to talk on his custom made device "Alexonics" August 2010.
• Helped organise the World Samskrit Book Fair (Head of Sanskrit Academies and Research) in January 2011.{{cite web|title = 02 World Samskrit book Fair|url = http://issuu.com/swamijyoti/docs/02-world-samskrit-book-fair/1|website = Issuu| date=28 December 2010 |accessdate = 21 December 2015}}

• Jury for the 50th National Film Awards, India (2003){{cite web|title = PIB Press Releases|url = http://pib.nic.in/archieve/lreleng/lyr2003/rjul2003/09072003/r0907200316.html|website = pib.nic.in|accessdate = 21 December 2015}}
• Jury for the 58th National Film Awards, India (2011){{cite web|title = Notes For – 58th National Film Awards – Notesok.In – Student – Study – School – Notes – Free|url = http://notesok.in/answer.php?id=58th+National+Film+Awards|website = notesok.in|accessdate = 21 December 2015}}{{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• Recipient of the 'Ambassador of Peace' award from the Universal Peace Federation{{cite web|title = TEDxDelhi – MM Alex – Alexonics|url = http://www.up-date-me.com/frame/viewonline.htm?onlineId=20i14863&term=|website = www.up-date-me.com|accessdate = 21 December 2015}}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• Recipient of the 'Samskrita Mitra' award from the Government of India.

Dr. Alex died in Chennai on 23 June 2015, following a cardiac arrest.{{cite web|title = Malayalam actor Alex Mathew died – Thoovanathumbikal, Babu|url = http://www.topmovierankings.com/news/malayalam-actor-alex-mathew-died|website = www.topmovierankings.com|accessdate = 21 December 2015|archive-date = 23 December 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151223043054/http://www.topmovierankings.com/news/malayalam-actor-alex-mathew-died|url-status = dead}} The Funeral was held at St.Paul's Orthodox Church at Kollad near Kottayam on 25 June.{{cite web|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsaN53Ab3kk|title = Dr.M.M. Alex Funeral at Kollad| date=25 June 2015 |publisher = Youtube}} He is survived by his wife Anitha Alex{{cite web|title = Sign Up {{!}} LinkedIn|url = https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=AAEAAAH509ABSWaWTEP6MYoHXdbFk7miIa3mi0I&authType=name&authToken=rxYy&trk=prof-sb-browse_map-name|website = www.linkedin.com|accessdate = 21 December 2015}} and sons Dr. Alexander Mathew and Basil Mathew (Actor Tejas){{cite web|title = A Venkatesh to direct a youth Tamil movie|url = http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/a-venkatesh-to-direct-a-youth-tamil-movie-469146.html|website = IBNLive|accessdate = 21 December 2015}}

• 1986-Rajavinte Makan
• 1986-Rareeram
• 1987-Avalude Katha
• 1987-Thoovanathumbikal
• 1987-Kanikanum Neram
• 1987-Kottum Kuravayum
• 1988- Witness
• 1988- August 1
• 1990- Randam Varavu
• 1990- Parampara
• 1990- Vyooham

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

• {{official website|http://www.drmmalex.com/}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20151222232524/http://www.filmyfriday.com/bollywood-news/thoovanathumbikal-actor-alex-mathew-aka-dr-mm-alex-passes-away Article by FilmyFriday]
• [http://www.m3db.com/artists/35768 Article by M3DB, Malayalam]
• [http://www.manoramaonline.com/movies/movie-news/actor-alex-mathew-died.html Malayalamanorama]
• [http://malayalam.oneindia.com/news/kerala/thoovanathumbikal-actor-alex-mathew-passes-away-135300.html One India Malayalam]
• Indian Habitat Centre – [http://www.indiahabitat.org/download/publication/annual_report/ihc_annual_report_2008-09.pdf Annexure 1 March 28] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320023153/http://indiahabitat.org/download/publication/annual_report/ihc_annual_report_2008-09.pdf |date=20 March 2015 }} | Programs: Jan 2009 – December 2009
• {{IMDb name|7424222|name=Alex Mathew}}

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Category:1959 births

Category:2015 deaths

Category:20th-century Indian male actors

Category:Alternative medicine researchers

Category:Indian male film actors

Category:Male actors from Kottayam

Category:Male actors in Malayalam cinema

Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema