Malayalam actor Dulquer Salmaan has opened up about the priceless reaction he received from his father, veteran superstar Mammootty, after winning the National Award for Best Actor. Speaking about the milestone, Dulquer revealed that his father’s response was far from dramatic. Instead of celebrating the achievement with grand words, Mammootty asked him a simple question that left a lasting impression.
Dulquer Salmaan’s witty post for father Mammootty’s National Award win
During a recent interaction, Dulquer recalled the moment he informed his father about the honour. Rather than showering him with praise, Mammootty calmly asked, “Did you win anything?” The actor admitted that the understated response perfectly reflected his father’s personality and approach towards success.
Dulquer said Mammootty has always believed that achievements should never make a person complacent. According to him, his father prefers to keep celebrations brief and encourages him to focus on the journey ahead rather than dwell on accolades.
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Reflecting on the interaction, Dulquer shared that while many may expect an emotional reaction from a legendary actor celebrating his son’s success, Mammootty has always maintained a practical outlook. “That’s just how he is,” Dulquer said, adding that his father’s words motivate him to keep improving instead of becoming satisfied with past accomplishments.
The actor also spoke about growing up in the shadow of one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars. He admitted that comparisons with Mammootty were inevitable and initially made him hesitant about pursuing acting. Over time, however, he realised that carving his own path was more important than living up to expectations.
All about their bond and work
Dulquer has repeatedly credited his father for inspiring him without offering conventional acting lessons. Instead, Mammootty’s subtle remarks and high standards have pushed him to work harder and aim higher in his career. In an earlier interview, Dulquer revealed that his father would often remind him of his own achievements at a similar age, encouraging him to constantly challenge himself.
Over the years, Dulquer has established himself as one of the leading stars across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi cinema, earning praise for films such as Charlie, Sita Ramam, Lucky Baskhar and Kaantha. His National Award win marked another significant milestone in his career, adding to a growing list of accolades.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Dulquer said his father’s grounded attitude continues to keep him focused. For Mammootty, the biggest lesson has never been about collecting awards but about constantly striving to become a better actor. Dulquer believes that mindset has shaped his own approach to cinema, making every achievement a stepping stone rather than a destination.
