Been healing you for 45 years: Emotional Mammootty on father's dream, final promise
Mammootty received an honorary doctorate from Mahatma Gandhi University in Kottayam and spoke about his father's wish that he become a doctor. He said cinema had allowed him to entertain and 'heal' audiences for 45 years.
Malayalam actor Mammootty was awarded an honorary doctorate by Mahatma Gandhi University in Kottayam on Monday, May 25, with the university recognising his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. He recalled his father's dream of making him a doctor in his brief but impactful speech. Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar presented the degree at the convocation ceremony held on the campus.
The event also drew attention to Mammootty’s speech, in which he referred to his father’s wish that he become a doctor and linked it to his long career in cinema.
"My father wanted me to become a doctor"
Speaking at the ceremony, Mammootty drew from a personal memory and delivered a line that brought the audience to its feet. “My father wanted me to become a doctor,” he said, adding, "Today I am receiving my third doctorate. While I may not be able to treat people medically, I have been entertaining and ‘healing’ you all for the past 45 years. I will continue to do so until my last breath.”
The honour is his third honourary doctorate from a state university in Kerala, and came alongside a social media message in which he thanked those who had supported him throughout his journey.
Sharing photographs from the ceremony on social media, Mammootty wrote, “Humbled to have received the Honorary DLitt from Mahatma Gandhi University today, presented by the Honourable Governor of Kerala. My gratitude to each and every one of you who stood by my side throughout this memorable journey.”
This is Mammootty’s third honorary doctorate from a state university. In January 2010, the University of Kerala awarded him a doctorate, recognising his contribution to art and literature through cinema. Later that year, the University of Calicut conferred another honorary doctorate on him, presented by the then Governor, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to artistic work and public service.
On the work front
Mammootty was recently seen in Patriot, directed by Mahesh Narayanan. The film brought Mammootty and Mohanlal together on screen after a gap of nearly 17 years and was released as a politically charged espionage drama. Produced by Anto Joseph and KG Anil Kumar, it also featured Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, Revathi, Darshana Rajendran and Rajiv Menon, and was released worldwide on May 1.
Over a career of more than five decades, Mammootty has acted in more than 400 films across languages and genres. He has won three National Film Awards for Best Actor, the second-highest by an artiste, a record he shares with Kamal Haasan and Ajay Devgn.
In January 2026, the Government of India announced Padma Bhushan for him for five decades of service to cinema. He had earlier received the Padma Shri in 1998.
Malayalam actor Mammootty was awarded an honorary doctorate by Mahatma Gandhi University in Kottayam on Monday, May 25, with the university recognising his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. He recalled his father's dream of making him a doctor in his brief but impactful speech. Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar presented the degree at the convocation ceremony held on the campus.
The event also drew attention to Mammootty’s speech, in which he referred to his father’s wish that he become a doctor and linked it to his long career in cinema.
"My father wanted me to become a doctor"
Speaking at the ceremony, Mammootty drew from a personal memory and delivered a line that brought the audience to its feet. “My father wanted me to become a doctor,” he said, adding, "Today I am receiving my third doctorate. While I may not be able to treat people medically, I have been entertaining and ‘healing’ you all for the past 45 years. I will continue to do so until my last breath.”
The honour is his third honourary doctorate from a state university in Kerala, and came alongside a social media message in which he thanked those who had supported him throughout his journey.
Sharing photographs from the ceremony on social media, Mammootty wrote, “Humbled to have received the Honorary DLitt from Mahatma Gandhi University today, presented by the Honourable Governor of Kerala. My gratitude to each and every one of you who stood by my side throughout this memorable journey.”
This is Mammootty’s third honorary doctorate from a state university. In January 2010, the University of Kerala awarded him a doctorate, recognising his contribution to art and literature through cinema. Later that year, the University of Calicut conferred another honorary doctorate on him, presented by the then Governor, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to artistic work and public service.
On the work front
Mammootty was recently seen in Patriot, directed by Mahesh Narayanan. The film brought Mammootty and Mohanlal together on screen after a gap of nearly 17 years and was released as a politically charged espionage drama. Produced by Anto Joseph and KG Anil Kumar, it also featured Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, Revathi, Darshana Rajendran and Rajiv Menon, and was released worldwide on May 1.
Over a career of more than five decades, Mammootty has acted in more than 400 films across languages and genres. He has won three National Film Awards for Best Actor, the second-highest by an artiste, a record he shares with Kamal Haasan and Ajay Devgn.
In January 2026, the Government of India announced Padma Bhushan for him for five decades of service to cinema. He had earlier received the Padma Shri in 1998.
