Did you know Mammootty was so inspired by Omar Sharif that he used actor's name in college?- DEETS INSIDE
On Mammootty ’s birthday, here’s a fascinating throwback from the superstar’s younger days that reveals just how deeply cinema influenced him. Long before he became one of Malayalam cinema ’s most celebrated actors, Mammootty was such a devoted admirer of Hollywood legend Omar Sharif that he briefly adopted the actor’s name as his own.
Born Mohammed Kutty , Mammootty recalled that his admiration for Sharif went far beyond simply watching his films. When he entered college, he introduced himself to his classmates by another name, creating an amusing chapter in the story behind how he eventually became known as Mammootty.
How Omar Sharif became his college identitySharing the memory on Facebook while paying tribute to Sharif after his death, Mammootty revealed that his fascination with the actor had started at a very young age.
“Born Mohammed Kutty, I grew up falling in love with cinema from as far as I can remember. Many actors cast strong impressions on me but none so much as Omar Sharif.So much to the point that when I first joined college, I told everyone my name was Omar Sharif. I lived with that alias for a while but it was just a matter of time before I was found out by collegemates. They then went on to nickname me Mammootty. I like to believe that's how that name was born.”
The anecdote offers a glimpse into Mammootty’s early passion for cinema, while also revealing the rather unexpected story behind the nickname that eventually became synonymous with the actor.
A fan who followed Sharif’s entire careerMammootty’s admiration for Omar Sharif did not end with the films that initially inspired him. He followed the actor’s work over the years, from internationally acclaimed classics such as ‘ Lawrence of Arabia ’ and ‘ Doctor Zhivago ’ to his later projects.
“I've been his ardent fan. His introduction in Lawrence of Arabia is probably the greatest of any actor in any film. That's the image I'll always have in my mind. His passing is a great loss to all film lovers. Most of all, to fans like me.”
Remembering a cinematic heroSharif, known for his memorable performances in films including ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ and ‘Doctor Zhivago’, died of a heart attack in his hometown Cairo at the age of 83.
For Mammootty, however, Sharif’s legacy was deeply personal. The actor he admired enough to temporarily borrow the name of during his college years had become one of the earliest cinematic influences on his life and career.
On Mammootty’s birthday, this old anecdote stands out as a reminder that even celebrated stars once experienced cinema simply as passionate fans, inspired by performers they admired from afar.
Born Mohammed Kutty , Mammootty recalled that his admiration for Sharif went far beyond simply watching his films. When he entered college, he introduced himself to his classmates by another name, creating an amusing chapter in the story behind how he eventually became known as Mammootty.
How Omar Sharif became his college identitySharing the memory on Facebook while paying tribute to Sharif after his death, Mammootty revealed that his fascination with the actor had started at a very young age.
“Born Mohammed Kutty, I grew up falling in love with cinema from as far as I can remember. Many actors cast strong impressions on me but none so much as Omar Sharif.So much to the point that when I first joined college, I told everyone my name was Omar Sharif. I lived with that alias for a while but it was just a matter of time before I was found out by collegemates. They then went on to nickname me Mammootty. I like to believe that's how that name was born.”
The anecdote offers a glimpse into Mammootty’s early passion for cinema, while also revealing the rather unexpected story behind the nickname that eventually became synonymous with the actor.
A fan who followed Sharif’s entire careerMammootty’s admiration for Omar Sharif did not end with the films that initially inspired him. He followed the actor’s work over the years, from internationally acclaimed classics such as ‘ Lawrence of Arabia ’ and ‘ Doctor Zhivago ’ to his later projects.
“I've been his ardent fan. His introduction in Lawrence of Arabia is probably the greatest of any actor in any film. That's the image I'll always have in my mind. His passing is a great loss to all film lovers. Most of all, to fans like me.”
Remembering a cinematic heroSharif, known for his memorable performances in films including ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ and ‘Doctor Zhivago’, died of a heart attack in his hometown Cairo at the age of 83.
For Mammootty, however, Sharif’s legacy was deeply personal. The actor he admired enough to temporarily borrow the name of during his college years had become one of the earliest cinematic influences on his life and career.
On Mammootty’s birthday, this old anecdote stands out as a reminder that even celebrated stars once experienced cinema simply as passionate fans, inspired by performers they admired from afar.
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