Dileep Biography: Movies, Awards, Age, Net Worth, Wikipedia, Height, Parents, Wife, Children

Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan Pillai, professionally known as Dileep, is a distinguished Indian actor, producer, and entrepreneur primarily active in the Malayalam film industry.

He began his career as an assistant director before gaining recognition for his comedic performances in films such as Punjabi House (1998) and Meesha Madhavan (2002).

With a filmography spanning over 150 movies, including notable titles like Kunjikkoonan and Chandupottu, Dileep has received several prestigious accolades, including Kerala State Film Awards and a Filmfare Award South.

In addition to his acting career, he founded Graand Production and owns the multiplex theater D Cinemaas.

Profile

• Full Name: Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan Pillai
• Stage Name: Dileep
• Born: October 27, 1967
• Age: 57 years old
• Birthplace: Aluva, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Indian actor, producer, and entrepreneur
• Height: 1.63 m
• Parent: Padmanabhan Pillai ,Sarojam
• Siblings: Anoop Pillai ,Sabitha Pillai
• Spouse: Kavya Madhavan (m. 2016), Manju Warrier (m. 1998–2015), Name Unknown ​(m. 1997–1998)
• Children: Meenakshi Dileep
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $72 million

Early Life And Education

Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan Pillai, popularly known as Dileep, was born on October 27, 1967, in Edavanakad, Ernakulam, Kerala, India.

He is the son of Padmanabhan Pillai and Sarojam and has two siblings, Anoop and Sabitha. Dileep completed his schooling at Vidyadhiraja Vidya Bhavan Higher Secondary School in Aluva, followed by a pre-degree course at Union Christian College, Aluva.

He later earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam. He is of Malayali ethnicity and follows Hinduism.

Career

Dileep began his career as a mimicry artist at Kalabhavan in the 1980s and gained recognition through Asianet’s comedy show Comicola.

He later transitioned into the film industry, starting as an assistant director under Kamal, with his first project being Vishnulokam (1991). His acting debut came in Kamal’s Ennodu Ishtam Koodamo (1992), where he played a minor role.

However, Manathe Kottaram (1994) marked his breakthrough, during which he adopted the screen name Dileep.

His performances in Ee Puzhayum Kadannu (1996) and Sallapam (1996) further solidified his place in the Malayalam film industry, while the success of Punjabi House (1998) initiated a successful collaboration with Harishree Ashokan.

In 2002, Dileep rose to superstardom with Meesha Madhavan, earning him the title “Janapriyanayakan” (Beloved Actor of the People).

The same year, he made his Tamil film debut with Raajjiyam. His portrayal of a physically challenged character in Kunjikoonan (2002) won him the Kerala State Film Special Jury Award.

He continued to showcase his comedic prowess in C.I.D. Moosa (2003) is a film that remains a cult favorite.

Dileep established Graand Production in 2003, expanding his contributions to the industry with C.I.D. Moosa was its first production.

His production ventures, including Kadhavaseshan (2004), Twenty:20 (2008), and Malarvaadi Arts Club (2010), have played a significant role in shaping contemporary Malayalam cinema.

Dileep has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including two Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actor and four Asianet Film Awards.

His critically acclaimed performance in Chanthupottu (2005) earned him a special mention at the Kerala State Film Awards.

He later won another Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for his role in Vellaripravinte Changathi (2011).

With a career spanning decades, Dileep has cemented his status as one of the most influential figures in the Malayalam film industry, excelling as both an actor and a producer.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @dileepactor
• Facebook handle: Dileep
• YouTube Channel: Dileeponline Official

Personal Life

Dileep has been married twice. His first marriage was reportedly to a distant relative in 1997, though her name remains undisclosed.

The marriage ended in 1998, shortly before he married actress Manju Warrier. However, it was never officially dissolved, and the woman later moved to the Gulf.

On October 20, 1998, Dileep married Manju Warrier, one of the leading actresses of Malayalam cinema.

The couple had a daughter, Meenakshi, born in 2000. After 16 years of marriage, they officially divorced on January 31, 2015.

Dileep married actress Kavya Madhavan on November 25, 2016. The couple welcomed their daughter, Mahalakshmi, in October 2018.

Filmography

• Manathe Kottaram (1994)
• Ee Puzhayum Kadannu (1996)
• Sallapam (1996)
• Punjabi House (1998)
• Chandranudikkunna Dikhil (1999)
• Ee Parakkum Thalika (2001)
• Kuberan (2002)
• Kunjikkoonan (2002)
• Perumazhakkalam (2004)
• Chanthupottu (2005)
• Twenty:20 (2008)
• Moss & Cat (2009)
• Bodyguard (2010)
• Malarvaadi Arts Club (2010)
• Mr. Marumakan (2012)
• Georgettan’s Pooram (2017)
• Ramaleela (2017)
• Kammara Sambhavam (2018)
• Savari (2018)
• Jack & Daniel (2019)
• My Santa (2019)
• Keshu Ee Veedinte Nadhan (2021)
• Thattassery Koottam (2022)
• Bandra (2023)
• Pavi Caretaker (2024)
• Bha. Bha. Ba. (2025)
• Prince and Family (2025)

Net Worth

Dileep, a renowned Indian actor and film producer, has an estimated net worth of approximately ₹600 crore (around USD 72 million).

His wealth comes from multiple sources, including his successful acting career, production ventures, business endeavors, and various other investments.