Dive into the fascinating life of Dulquer Salmaan, a prominent Indian actor, singer, and entrepreneur. This comprehensive guide explores his career, family life, and personal interests.
Wiki/Biography
Dulquer Salmaan was born on Monday, July 28, 1986 (age 37 as of 2023), in Kochi, Kerala, India. His zodiac sign is Leo. He completed his schooling at Toc-H Public School in Kochi and Sishya School in Chennai. He then pursued a Bachelor of Business Management (BBM) at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
Even as a teenager, Dulquer showed a passion for filmmaking, creating short films at the age of 14-15 using his father’s camera. After graduation, he worked as a business manager in the US and later ran an IT-related business in Dubai before his acting career. He further honed his skills with a three-month acting course at the Barry John Acting Studio in Mumbai.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5′ 9″
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Black
Family, Caste & Wife
Dulquer Salmaan hails from a Muslim family. His father, Muhammad Kutty Paniparambil Ismail (Mammootty), is a renowned Indian actor and producer, while his mother, Sulfath Kutty, is a homemaker. He also has an older sister, Surumi Kutty.
He married Amal Sufiya, an architect, in an arranged marriage on December 22, 2011. They have a daughter, Maryam, born on May 5, 2017.
Career
Dulquer’s acting debut was in the 2012 Malayalam film “Second Show,” where he played Harilal “Lalu.” This role earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. His subsequent roles in films like “Ustad Hotel” and “ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi” further solidified his presence in Malayalam cinema. He expanded into the Tamil film industry with the romantic comedy “Vaayai Moodi Pesavum.”
Notable successes include “Bangalore Days,” one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films, and “O Kadhal Kanmani” in Tamil. His portrayal of the title role in “Charlie” garnered widespread critical acclaim and a Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor. Dulquer also ventured into Bollywood with films like “Karwan” and “The Zoya Factor”.
Beyond acting, Dulquer is a singer, having lent his voice to songs such as “Johnny Mone Johnny” from “ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi.” He’s also a philanthropist, actively participating in social initiatives and contributing to charities like the Chennai Gives initiative.
His entrepreneurial pursuits include a dental business chain in Chennai, a car-trading web portal, and the directorship of Motherhood Hospital in Bangalore.
Awards
Dulquer has received numerous accolades for his work. Here’s a brief overview:
| Award | Film | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Asiavision Award for Best Newcomer | Second Show | 2012 |
| Filmfare Award South for Best Debut – Male | Second Show | 2013 |
| Asianet Film Award for Star of the Year | N/A | 2014 |
| SIIMA Award for Best Debut (Male) | Vaayai Moodi Pesavum | 2015 |
| Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor | Charlie | 2016 |
| Behindwoods Gold Medal | Kali & Kammatipaadam | 2017 |
Favourite Things
- Actors: Rajinikanth, Pawan Kalyan, Mahesh Babu
- Food: Biryani
- Holiday Destination: London
- Director: Mani Ratnam
- Superheroes: Ironman, Batman
- App: Twitter
- Films: Manam (2014), Magadheera (2009)
Facts
Dulquer’s hobbies include singing, watching films, and traveling. He has a lifelong love for bikes and cars, culminating in the purchase of a Ferrari 296 GTB in November 2023. He overcame a childhood fear of dogs and now owns a pet dog, Honey.
Interestingly, his name, Dulquer, is a combination of two warrior names, reflecting his father’s interest in Islamic history. His friends and family affectionately call him Salu and DQ. He also has a tattoo on his left forearm.
Dulquer has openly shared that his transition from a career in business and finance to acting stemmed from a desire for something more fulfilling, a departure from what he felt was a monotonous routine.
