Mukesh (actor)

Mukesh was born to actors O. Madhavan and Vijayakumari, in Kollam, Kerala, India on 5 March 1957.{{Cite web |url=http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/14kla/Members-Eng/70%20Mukesh%20M.pdf |title=KLA Title M. Mukesh |website=Fourteenth Kerala Legislative Assembly |access-date=12 July 2018}} He has two sisters, Sandhya Rajendran and Jayasree. Sandhya and her husband, E. A. Rajendran are also actors (stage and film).

Mukesh attended Infant Jesus Anglo-Indian School in Kollam. He then pursued a bachelor's degree in science (B.Sc.) from Sree Narayana College, Kollam. He also holds a second bachelor's degree in law from The Kerala Law Academy Law College, Thiruvananthapuram.

Mukesh was active in stage dramas before he entered the film industry.{{cite web |title=Mukesh's profile |url=http://cinidiary.com/searchpeople.php?searchtext=mukesh&pigsection=Actor&Search=Search |publisher=cinedairy.com |access-date=3 June 2015}}

Mukesh made his acting debut in 1982 with the film Balloon.{{Cite web |title=Balloon (1982) |url=https://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movie.php?i=1302 |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=www.malayalachalachithram.com}} Later, that same year he landed his first leading role with the drama film Ithu Njangalude Katha, a remake of the Tamil-language film Palaivana Solai. The film was an average grosser, with the film's songs becoming chartbusters.{{Cite web |title=Ithu Njangalude Kadha (1982) |url=https://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movie.php?i=1395 |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=www.malayalachalachithram.com}} In the mid-80s, he appeared in several comedy films directed by Priyadarshan, usually in supporting roles. His first film as solo hero came in 1985 with Mutharamkunnu P.O. Despite being an average grosser at the box office, the film has over the years attained a cult status.{{Cite web |date=2021-08-05 |title=മുത്താരംകുന്ന് പി.ഒ. {{!}} 04Dec2020 |work=Mathrubhumi |url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/kottayam/news/04dec2020-1.5254482 |access-date=2022-10-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805102738/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/kottayam/news/04dec2020-1.5254482 |archive-date=5 August 2021 }} His first major commercial hit came with the 1985 film Boeing Boeing, directed by Priyadarshan. He appeared in a supporting role in the film to Mohanlal. This was his first collaboration with Mohanlal. They would go on to star in several films in the late 1980s, usually starring Mohanlal in the lead role. Examples include Ninnishtam Ennishtam (1986), Adiverukal (1986), Hello My Dear Wrong Number (1986) and Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu (1986). He also appeared in supporting roles to Mammootty in the late-80s with successful films like Snehamulla Simham (1986), Shyama (1986), Thaniyavarthanam (1987), 1921 (1988), Sangham (1988), Mahayanam (1989) and Nair Saab (1989). In 1988, he appeared as Chacko in the cult investigative thriller Oru CBI Diary Kurippu also featuring Mammootty.{{Cite web |date=2017-06-19 |title=Not just Sukumara Kurup: 6 spine-chilling real-life murders that have inspired Malayalam films |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/not-just-sukumara-kurup-6-spine-chilling-real-life-murders-have-inspired-malayalam-films |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=The News Minute |language=en}} The character of Chacko has over the years attained a cult status.{{Cite news |title=Sethurama Iyer is coming back! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/sethurama-iyer-is-coming-back/articleshow/12750349.cms |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=The Times of India |language=en |last1=Zachariah |first1=Ammu}} He reprised his role as Chacko in the CBI series sequels in 1989, 2004, 2005 and 2022. Then, in 1989, he starred in Ramji Rao Speaking, a blockbuster that ran for 200 days in theatres and went on to become the second highest grossing film of the year.{{Cite news |last=George |first=Vijay |date=2013-11-07 |title=Three of a kind |language=en-IN |newspaper=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/three-of-a-kind/article5325288.ece |access-date=2022-10-20 |issn=0971-751X}} The film gave Mukesh his major break.{{Cite web |date=2016-10-25 |title=ഫാസിൽ മനുഷ്യനെ പറ്റിക്കാൻ ഇറങ്ങിയിരിക്കുകയാണ്... റാംജിറാവുവിനൊപ്പം കഥകളും ഇറങ്ങി; സിദ്ദിഖ്–ലാൽ |work=ManoramaOnline |url=http://www.vanitha.in:80/just-in/latest-news/ramji-rau-speaking-film-back-scenes.html |access-date=2022-10-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025231933/http://www.vanitha.in:80/just-in/latest-news/ramji-rau-speaking-film-back-scenes.html |archive-date=25 October 2016}} Ramji Rao Speaking is considered by audiences and critics to be one of the best comedy films made in Malayalam cinema.{{Cite news |last=Praveen |first=S. r |date=2013-03-24 |title=Malayalam online in wonderful calligraphy |language=en-IN |newspaper=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/malayalam-online-in-wonderful-calligraphy/article4546026.ece |access-date=2022-10-20 |issn=0971-751X}} The film still has a huge cult following.{{Cite news |title=Priyardarshan on 20 years of 'Hera Pheri': Humour can never die |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/priyardarshan-on-20-years-of-hera-pheri-humour-can-never-die/articleshow/74893757.cms |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=The Times of India |language=en}} The film has been subject to many memes, with Mukesh's dialogue in the film "Kambilipothappu" becoming a catchphrase. He also starred alongside Mohanlal in Vandanam (1989), which is considered a cult classic in Malayalam cinema.{{Cite web |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/from-drishyam-to-oppam-why-mohanlals-films-are-remade-in-other-languages-often-3174430.html |title=From Drishyam to Oppam, why Mohanlal's films are remade in other languages often |date=26 December 2016 |website=Firstpost}}

In the beginning of the 1980, he made an extended guest role in Priyadarshan's Akkare Akkare Akkare, which was the sequel to Patanapravesham (1989). After the success of Ramji Rao Speaking, he was offered many leading roles. The film Cheriya Lokavum Valiya Manushyarum was then released, which was a commercial success.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}} Following the success of Cheriya Lokavum Valiya Manushyarum he again collaborated with Siddique-Lal for In Harihar Nagar, which is considered to be one of the defining films of the Malayalam golden age of comedy. The film was a box office success, running for 100 days in theatres. The film established Mukesh as a bankable lead actor in the industry. The film has over the years accumulated a cult following and huge fan base, with many scenes from the film being used in memes and online trolls today.{{Cite web |date=2019-02-10 |title='Gandhinagar 2nd Street' to 'Nadodikkattu': Malayalam cinema's cult comedy classics |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/gandhinagar-2nd-street-nadodikkattu-malayalam-cinema-s-cult-comedy-classics-96499 |access-date=2022-10-22 |website=The News Minute |language=en}} Following the success of In Harihar Nagar, a series of unrelated low budget comedy films featuring the principal cast of the film were produced. These films usually starred Mukesh, Jagadeesh or Siddique in the lead roles.{{Cite web |first1=Vijay |last1=George |url=http://hindu.com/fr/2009/01/02/stories/2009010250630200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131103614/http://hindu.com/fr/2009/01/02/stories/2009010250630200.htm |archive-date=31 January 2009 |title=The Hindu : Friday Review Thiruvananthapuram / On Location : Return to Harihar Nagar |date=2 January 2009 |newspaper=The Hindu}} In 1990 he also formed a successful onscreen pairing with another rising star, Jayaram with successful films like Thoovalsparsham, Marupuram and Malayogom. He also starred as solo hero in commercially successful films like Gajakesariyogam, Ottayal Pattalam and Champion Thomas in the same year.{{Cite web |date=April 20, 2018 |first=Rohith |last=BR |title=Jharkhand mahouts to get Kannada lessons, jumbos to learn Hindi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/jharkhand-mahouts-to-get-kannada-lessons-jumbos-to-learn-hindi/articleshow/63836669.cms |access-date=2022-10-22 |website=The Times of India |language=en}} His role as a serial womanizer in Kouthugal Vaartakal boosted his popularity as a lead actor. He also made his Tamil debut that same year in Manaivi Oru Manickam.{{Cite web |last=தினத்தந்தி |date=2021-07-28 |title=நடிகர் முகேஷ் விவாகரத்து |url=https://www.dailythanthi.com/Cinema/CinemaThuligal/2021/07/28055620/Actor-Mukesh-and-Methil-Devika-heading-for-a-divorce.vpf |access-date=2022-10-22 |website=www.dailythanthi.com |language=ta}}

He then, in 1991 starred in the classic comedy film, Godfather directed by Siddique-Lal, another blockbuster, the film ran for 417 days at Sreekumar Theatre in Trivandrum.{{Cite news |title=Coronavirus outbreak: 'Tsunami' team calls off shoot |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/coronavirus-outbreak-tsunami-team-calls-off-shoot/articleshow/74667480.cms |access-date=2022-10-22 |website=The Times of India |language=en}} Godfather became the longest running film in Malayalam film industry. The film established him as one of the major stars of the Malayalam film industry.{{Cite web |title=Spell of Mollywood Movies Released in 1991 Still Grips Hearts |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2016/jan/09/spell-of-mollywood-movies-released-in-1991-still-grips-hearts-866438.html |access-date=2022-10-22 |website=The New Indian Express|date=9 January 2016 }} He then teamed up with director P. G. Vishwambaran, who had earlier directed him in Ithu Njangalude Katha (1982), in several successful films like Innathe Programme and Irrikku M. D. Akathundu. He then starred in the 1991 cult slapstick comedy film Mookilla Rajyathu, in which he played the role of a mental patient who escaped from a mental asylum. The film is widely regarded as a classic in Malayalam cinema.{{Cite web |last=WEBDUNIA |title=Thilakan excluded from Mookkilla Rajyathu? {{!}} മൂക്കില്ലാരാജ്യത്ത് 2: തിലകനെ ഒഴിവാക്കി? |url=http://malayalam.webdunia.com/article/film-gossip-in-malayalam/മൂക്കില്ലാരാജ്യത്ത്-2-തിലകനെ-ഒഴിവാക്കി-110071200056_1.htm |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=malayalam.webdunia.com |language=ml}} He starred in the critically acclaimed Kakkathollayiram in which he played the role of the brother to mentally ill woman.{{Cite web |date=2016-03-03 |title=+++++++++++++ official website of INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATION DEPARTMENT OF KERALA +++++++++++++ |url=http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/stateawards3.htm |access-date=2023-01-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303234157/http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/stateawards3.htm |archive-date=3 March 2016}} He also worked with Shaji Kailas in Souhrudam (1991), in which he starred alongside Urvashi, Sai Kumar and Parvathy. However, Souhrudam was a box-office bomb.{{Cite web |title=Souhrudam (1991) |url=https://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movie.php?i=2435 |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=www.malayalachalachithram.com}} The next year, he starred alongside Jayaram in Kamal's Aayushkalam (1992), a super hit at the box office. This was the first in a set of successful collabs with director Kamal. They then teamed up for the romantic comedy Ennodishtam Koodamo, another super hit.{{Cite web |title=റോജാ മധു വരുന്നു; തനി വില്ലത്തിയായി {{!}} Cinema {{!}} Deshabhimani {{!}} Monday Dec 3, 2018 |url=https://www.deshabhimani.com/amp/cinema/roja-fame-actress-madhubala-in-agnidev/767570 |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=www.deshabhimani.com}} He then starred in Makkal Maahathmiam, which was written by Siddique-Lal.{{Cite web |date=7 April 2014 |title=Cine artiste Mohiyudheen dies |url=http://sv1.mathrubhumi.com/english/movies/malayalam/145026/ |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=archive.ph |archive-date=17 October 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141017101415/http://sv1.mathrubhumi.com/english/movies/malayalam/145026/ |url-status=dead}} He then played the role of a petty thief in Manyanmar. This was his first onscreen pairing with Sreenivasan.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}} The following year, he starred in the Balachandra Menon directorial Ammayane Sathyam.{{Cite web |date=2021-10-15 |title=From not having a voice to owning it: Different dubbing trends in Malayalam cinema |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/not-having-voice-owning-it-different-dubbing-trends-malayalam-cinema-156552 |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=The News Minute |language=en}} The film was also a box office success, running for 100 days in theatres. The next year, he starred in Malappuram Haji Mahanaya Joji, another box office success.{{Cite web |date=2022-04-13 |title=இப்படியும் காப்பி அடிக்கலாம் - மலப்புறம் ஹாஜியும், பூவே உனக்காக விக்ரமனும்! |url=https://tamil.news18.com/photogallery/entertainment/cinema-malappuram-haji-mahanaya-joji-scene-copied-in-thalapathy-vijay-poove-unakkaga-jbr-scs-730628.html |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=News18 Tamil |language=ta}} It ran for 125 days in theatres and was one of the highest grossers of the year.

He appeared in notable films such as Sipayi Lahala and Mannar Mathai Speaking (the sequel to Ramji Rao Speaking). He appeared in a supporting role to Mammootty in the 1996 comedy-drama film Hitler, directed by Siddique of the Siddique-Lal duo.{{Cite web |title=Hitler (1996) |url=https://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movie.php?i=2943 |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=www.malayalachalachithram.com}} Hitler became one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time. He then starred in Sibi Malayil's 1996 film Kanakkinavu, which was screened at the Indian Panorama section of the IFFI and won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration.{{Cite web |date=1997 |title=44th National Film Festival 1997 |url=http://dff.nic.in/2011/44th_nff_1997.pdf |access-date=2022-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107013544/http://dff.nic.in/2011/44th_nff_1997.pdf |archive-date=7 November 2017}} The film was also commercially successful.{{Cite book |last=Ray |first=Bibekananda |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/70208425 |title=Conscience of the race : India's offbeat cinema |date=2005 |publisher=Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India |others=Naveen Joshi, India. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Publications Division |isbn=81-230-1298-5 |location=New Delhi |oclc=70208425}} The next year, all of his films except for Kalyana Kacheri, bombed at the box office.{{Cite web |title=Kalyana Kacheri |url=https://spicyonion.com/title/kalyana-kacheri-malayalam-movie/ |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=Spicyonion.com |language=en}} The following year, he starred in Mattupetti Machan, which was one of the highest grossers of the year and ran for 100 days in theatres.{{Cite news |date=17 February 2018 |title=Sreelekshmi and Manju Pillai to visit Badai Bungalow - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/malayalam/sreelekshmi-and-manju-pillai-to-visit-badai-bungalow/articleshow/62962455.cms |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=The Times of India |language=en |last1=Ur |first1=Arya}} It was remade in Tamil as Banda Paramasivam, in Hindi as Housefull 2. He then made a cameo appearance as himself in the highly successful Sreekrishnapurathe Nakshathrathilakkam.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-08 |title=Malayalam cinema and the multiverse of misogyny |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/malayalam-cinema-and-the-multiverse-of-misogyny-7807136/ |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} 1999 was a successful year for Mukesh as he starred in two super-hits namely, Friends, which was the highest grosser of the year (He starred alongside Jayaram for the first time in 7 years and Sreenivasan) and alongside Divya Unni in the Vinayan directorial Aakasha Ganga, which was the fourth highest grossing film of the year.{{Cite web |title=Crippled by failed productions and losses, Malayalam film industry banks on sleaze |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/films/story/20000626-crippled-by-failed-productions-and-losses-malayalam-film-industry-banks-on-sleaze-777791-2000-06-25 |access-date=2022-10-31 |website=India Today |date=26 June 2000 |language=en}}

File:Mukesh 2008.jpg

In the 2000s and 2010s, he struggled to escape an image trap. Regardless, he came back with interesting supporting roles in Udayananu Tharam, Goal, Vinodayathra, Boyy Friennd, Kaiyoppu, Naalu Pennungal and Katha Parayumbol. He has been a part of many of Mohanlal's comedies, most of them directed by Priyadarshan. He also ventured into production with Sreenivasan, their first movie, Katha Parayumbol, featured a cameo by Mammootty.

Mukesh was the host of a Malayalam version of Deal or No Deal, which was aired on Surya TV. He is now acting in Badai bungalow, a comedy and celebrity talk show hosted by Ramesh Pisharody, launched on Asianet from 2013.{{Cite news |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2016/feb/08/badai-bungalow---inciting-a-laugh-riot-889663.html |title='Badai Bungalow' - Inciting a Laugh Riot |date=8 February 2016 |work=The New Indian Express |access-date=8 July 2018}}

He married South Indian film actress Saritha in 1988, and they have two sons. After a lengthy separation, they divorced in 2011.{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/photo-features/malayalam-actors-who-have-married-more-than-once/Mukesh/photostory/48247353.cms |title=Mukesh - Malayalam actors who have married more than once |date=18 March 2018 |website=The Times of India |access-date=9 July 2018}}{{cite web |author=mangalam |url=http://www.mangalamvarika.com/index.php/en/home/index/125/28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209025837/http://www.mangalamvarika.com/index.php/en/home/index/125/28 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=9 February 2014 |title=Mangalam - Varika 3-Feb-2014 |publisher=Mangalamvarika.com |access-date=2014-03-19}} Their elder son Shravan made his acting debut in the 2018 film Kalyanam. Mukesh married dance scholar Methil Devika on 24 October 2013.{{cite web |url=http://www.mathrubhumi.com/mb4eves/online/malayalam/kerala/women/articles/infocus_interview-article-410052 |title=ഇത് ഞങ്ങള്‍ കാത്തിരുന്ന വിവാഹം - articles, infocus_interview |publisher=Mathrubhumi.com |access-date=2014-03-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318180508/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/mb4eves/online/malayalam/kerala/women/articles/infocus_interview-article-410052 |archive-date=18 March 2014 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/malayalam/news-and-interviews/My-marriage-with-Mukesh-is-an-arranged-one-Methil-Devika/articleshow/25502876.cms | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114092006/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-11-09/news-and-interviews/43853904_1_love-marriage-mukesh-sandhya | url-status=live | archive-date=14 November 2013 |title=My marriage with Mukesh is an arranged one: Methil Devika |date=9 November 2013 | access-date=25 January 2014 |newspaper=The Times of India |author=Radhika C. Pillai}} The couple filed for divorce in 2021.{{cite news |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/dancer-methil-devika-announces-divorce-actor-mla-mukesh-sends-legal-notice-153010 |title=Dancer Methil Devika announces divorce from actor-MLA Mukesh, sends legal notice |date=27 July 2021 | access-date=29 August 2024 |newspaper=The News Minute}}

In 2007, Mukesh authored a book based on experiences while he was a student at college, and tales from his life as a movie actor.{{cite web |url=http://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies/interview/298271/ |title=എന്നെ ഒതുക്കാന്‍ നോക്കേണ്ടാ.., Interview |publisher=Mathrubhumi.com |date=2012-08-28 |access-date=2014-03-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829040205/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies/interview/298271/ |archive-date=29 August 2012 |url-status=dead}} titled Mukesh Kathakal – Jeevithathiley Nerum Narmavum.{{Cite web |url=http://indulekha.com/malayalambooks/2007/05/mukesh-kathakal.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310191612/http://indulekha.com/malayalambooks/2007/05/mukesh-kathakal.html |url-status=dead |title='Indulekha books: Mukesh Kathakal' |archive-date=10 March 2009}} It proved very successful.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/His-maiden-work-is-a-big-hit/article14720563.ece |title=His maiden work is a big hit |date=15 February 2007 |newspaper=The Hindu |access-date=9 July 2018 |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} He authored another book, Mukesh Babu and Party in Dubai, published by DC Books in 2009, marketed as a "realistic campus novel".{{cite news |last=Periera |first=Ignatius |title=A campus novel from Mukesh |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/A-campus-novel-from-Mukesh/article16877535.ece |access-date=25 April 2024 |work=The Hindu |date=28 August 2009}}

In 2021, a student called Mukesh for help but was received rudely. The phone call's recording was circulated on social media, leading to criticism of Mukesh. Mukesh claimed that the phone call was targeted harassment and was politically motivated.{{Cite web |date=2021-07-05 |title=Kollam MLA Mukesh kicks up row over phone call with school student |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2021/Jul/05/kollam-mla-mukesh-kicks-up-row-over-phone-call-with-school-student-2325525.html |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}

After the publication of the Hema Committee report in 2024, an actress alleged that Mukesh had sexually harassed her.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-27 |title=Two more women file police complaints against Malayalam film industry figures including actor-MLA Mukesh |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/two-more-women-file-police-complaints-against-malayalam-film-industry-figures-including-actor-mla-mukesh-9535586/ |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite news |first=Shaju |last=Philip |date=August 27, 2024 |title=Two more women file police complaints against Malayalam film industry figures including actor-MLA Mukesh |newspaper=Mint |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/malayalam-actor-minu-muneer-alleges-sexual-abuse-pulled-me-on-bed-saying-idavela-babu-jayasurya-cpim-under-fire-11724661148502.html }}{{Cite news |date=2024-08-27 |title=As its 2-time Kerala MLA faces 'Me Too' heat, will CPM do a Ranjith on Mukesh? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/cpm-mla-m-mukesh-faces-metoo-allegations/articleshow/112820145.cms |access-date=2024-08-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/malayalam-actor-mukesh-arrested-in-sexual-assault-case-reports-3204188|title=Malayalam actor Mukesh arrested in sexual assault case: Reports|publisher=Deccan Herald}}

CPI(M) MLA and actor M Mukesh got arrested in rape case by Special Investigation Team on 24 September 2024. His lawyer confirmed that the MLA was arrested, his medical examination and potency test were carried out and then he was released as he had been granted anticipatory bail by a sessions court earlier this month.{{Cite web |date=24 September 2024 |title=CPI(M) MLA and actor M Mukesh arrested in rape case by Special Investigation Team, released on bail |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/cpim-mla-and-actor-m-mukesh-arrested-in-rape-case-by-special-investigation-team-released-on-bail/cid/2050231 }}

File:Mukesh during election campaign 2016b.jpg, during the election campaign in 2016]]

Mukesh is a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M). He was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly from Kollam Assembly constituency in the 2016 Kerala Legislative Assembly election.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/kerala2016/kerala-assembly-polls-actors-in-the-fray/article8620389.ece |title=Kerala Assembly polls: Actors in the fray |date=19 May 2016 |newspaper=The Hindu |access-date=10 July 2018 |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517050123/https://www.thehindu.com/elections/kerala2016/kerala-assembly-polls-actors-in-the-fray/article8620389.ece |archive-date=17 May 2021 |url-status=live}} He won again from the same constituency in the 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election.{{cite news |title=Kollam Election Result 2021 LIVE: CPM's Mukesh defeats Bindhu Krishan |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/politics/kollam-election-result-2021-live-how-to-check-kollam-assembly-vidhan-sabha-election-winners-losers-vote-margin-news-updates-9142451.htm |access-date=25 April 2024 |work=CNBC TV18 |date=2 May 2021}} However, his victory margin came down from 17,611 in 2016 to 2072 in 2021. In the 2024 Indian general election, Mukesh contested for the Lok Sabha from the Kollam constituency but lost to N.K. Premachandran, the sitting UDF candidate.{{cite news |author1=DHNS |date=20 April 2024 |title=Lok Sabha Polls 2024 {{!}} Face-off: N K Premachandran vs M Mukesh |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/elections/india/lok-sabha-polls-2024-face-off-n-k-premachandran-vs-m-mukesh-2987317 |access-date=25 April 2024 |work=Deccan Herald}}

File:Mukesh malayalam.jpg

• 2007 : Asianet Film Award for Best Film (Producer) – Kadha Parayumbol
• 2007 : Filmfare Award for Best Film – Malayalam (Producer) – Kadha Parayumbol
• 2007 : Kerala State Film Award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value-Kadha Parayumbol
• 2011 : ISC Award{{cite web |url=http://www.kottaka.com/blog/2011/08/mukesh-got-isc-award/ |title=Mukesh got ISC Award |access-date=27 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129085710/http://www.kottaka.com/blog/2011/08/mukesh-got-isc-award/ |archive-date=29 January 2012 |url-status=dead}}
• 2013 : Kerala Film Critics Association Awards{{cite web |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/Drishyam-Bags-Kerala-Film-Critics-Association-Awards/2014/01/30/article2027269.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221232342/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/Drishyam-Bags-Kerala-Film-Critics-Association-Awards/2014/01/30/article2027269.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 February 2014 |title='Drishyam' Bags Kerala Film Critics Association Awards |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=2014-01-30 |access-date=2014-03-19}} - Second Best Actor - English: An Autumn in London, Vasanthathinte Kanal Vazhikalil

• Katha Parayumbol (2007)
• Thattathin Marayathu (2012)

• Laksham Laksham Pinnale (2013) (Reality show-Super 94.7 fm)

• Mukesh started Kalidasa Visual Magic for play productions. His first play Chayamukhi was in 2008 with Mohanlal and was written and directed by Prasanth Narayanan.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/Bhima-and-Keechaka-on-a-new-mission/article15151152.ece |title=Bhima and Keechaka on a new mission |date=25 January 2018 |newspaper=The Hindu |access-date=10 July 2018 |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} He also appeared with his sister, Sandhya Rajendan and his wife Methil in the 2015 adaptation of Naaga, directed by Suveeran.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/theatre/naaga-an-adaptation-of-girish-karnads-nagamandala/article7557272.ece |title=Marrying myth and mystery |last=Paul |first=G. S. |date=20 August 2015 |newspaper=The Hindu |access-date=10 July 2018 |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category|Mukesh (actor)}}

• {{IMDb name|0611481|Mukesh}}
• [http://malayalasangeetham.info/php/displayActorProfile.php?a=Mukesh Mukesh at MSI]

{{MLAs from Kerala assembly constituencies in Kollam city}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mukesh}}

Category:Male actors from Kollam

Category:Indian male film actors

Category:Living people

Category:Male actors in Malayalam cinema

Category:Malayalam film producers

Category:Kerala MLAs 2016–2021

Category:Communist Party of India (Marxist) politicians from Kerala

Category:20th-century Indian male actors

Category:Sree Narayana College, Kollam alumni

Category:Indian actor-politicians

Category:21st-century Indian male actors

Category:Film producers from Kerala

Category:Male actors in Malayalam theatre

Category:Indian male stage actors

Category:Indian male television actors

Category:1957 births