Lal

Biography

M. P. Michael (born 2 December 1958), better known by his stage name Lal, is an Indian actor, director, screenwriter, producer, and distributor who predominantly works in Malayalam and Tamil films and in a few Telugu films.

Lal has won several awards, including a National Film Award – Special Mention for acting (2012), two Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actor (2008, 2013), and a Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Malayalam (2008). He is the owner of Lal Media Arts, a post-production studio.

Lal was born as Michael to the late M. A. Paul and the late Philomena, as their eldest son. He received his schooling at St. Augustine's High School, Ernakulam. His brother Alex Paul is a music composer in the Malayalam film industry and his son Jean is a movie director in the same industry.

He started his career as a mimicry artist in Kalabhavan, along with his childhood friend Siddique, who would later team up with Siddique-Lal to make many films. Lal and Siddique began their film career working as assistant directors to Fazil in Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu.

Siddique-Lal production had never been dependent on star value or superstar formula that was witnessed in those days in Malayalam cinema. They had always opted out from casting Mohanlal or Mammootty.

Ultimately, both of them changed their thoughts later and when their fourth production film was to get launched, Siddique-Lal opted for Mohanlal and made Vietnam Colony (1992) which did wonders at the box office too. The duo again combined in their fifth production and made Kabooliwala (1994), which was also a success.

Lal is married to Nancy and they have two children—Jean Paul Lal and a daughter. Jean-Paul is a film director.