Started my career holding the clapboard for Mohanlal: Dileep at ‘Prince and Family’ success meet

Actor Dileep turned emotional at the success celebration of ‘Prince and Family’. He reflected on his early days in cinema, recalling that his journey began by clapping the slate in front of Mohanlal. Over the years, he said, he learned the craft by watching stalwarts like Mohanlal, Mukesh, Sreenivasan, Saikumar, Siddique and Jagathy. Shifting from an assistant director to an actor was not easy, but the warmth and guidance of senior artists, he added, gave him the confidence to take that leap.

Dileep thanked producer Listin Stephen for trusting him with the film, calling it a bold decision. Completing 60 days in theatres, he said, is no small feat in an era when most films vanish from screens in a few weeks. His daughter Meenakshi also joined the celebration, making the occasion more personal for him.

He remembered legends such as Innocent, Mala Aravindan, Bahadoor and Kochin Haneefa, as well as many who are still part of the industry, crediting them for shaping his sense of humour and timing. Dileep also spoke of the nervousness he once felt stepping in front of the camera after years behind it, and how actors like Madhu offered him quiet mentorship.

Marking 150 films, he said, felt like a blessing built on the support of countless producers, directors, technicians and co-actors. He praised the dedication of the ‘Prince and Family’ team, especially debutante Raniya, whose performance, he said, became the backbone of the film.

Looking around the venue, Dileep called the gathering small but deeply meaningful, filled with people who had been part of his journey. He closed by thanking his fans for standing by him through every high and low. Their prayers and love, he said, are what have kept him going—and what continue to drive him forward in Malayalam cinema.