On July 14, 2025, the Indian film industry mourned the loss of Mohan Raj, a talented actor known for his remarkable work in South Indian cinema. Mohan Raj, also called Keerikkadan Jose, was born on November 13, 1955, in Kanjiramkulam, a small village in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. His life was a journey of hard work, courage, and passion for acting. He acted in over 300 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and even two Japanese films. Mohan Raj’s story is one of determination, talent, and a deep connection to his roots. This article tells the unique tale of his life, written in simple words for everyone to understand.
Early Life And Family
Mohan Raj was born into a simple family. His father, Sukumaran Nadar, and mother, Pankajakshi, raised him with love. He was the second of five brothers: Chandran, Sivaprasad, Jayakumar, and Premlal. Growing up in Kanjiramkulam, Mohan Raj enjoyed a childhood filled with village life. He played with friends, attended local festivals, and learned values of honesty and hard work from his parents. His family was not wealthy, but they were close-knit. This gave Mohan Raj a strong foundation for life.
Education was important to Mohan Raj. He studied at P.K.S. Higher Secondary School in his village. He was a bright student, always curious about the world. After school, he went to Government Arts College in Thiruvananthapuram. There, he earned a degree in economics. His college years shaped his thinking. He loved learning and dreamed of a big future. But life had other plans for him before he became an actor.
At the age of 20, Mohan Raj joined the Indian Army. He served for five years with pride. He was strong and disciplined, qualities that stayed with him forever. However, a leg injury forced him to leave the army. This was a tough moment for him. He felt lost but did not give up. Instead, he took competitive exams and passed many. This showed his determination to keep moving forward. Eventually, he worked as an assistant enforcement officer. But his heart was elsewhere—in the world of cinema.
Mohan Raj Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Wife
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mohan Raj (also known as Keerikkadan Jose, Kokila Mohan, Mic Mohan) |
| Date of Birth | November 13, 1955 |
| Place of Birth | Kanjiramkulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India |
| Parents | Father: Sukumaran Nadar, Mother: Pankajakshi |
| Siblings | Four brothers: Chandran, Sivaprasad, Jayakumar, Premlal |
| Education | - P.K.S. Higher Secondary School, Kanjiramkulam - Degree in Economics from Government Arts College, Thiruvananthapuram |
| Early Career | - Served in Indian Army (5 years, left due to leg injury) - Assistant Enforcement Officer |
| Film Debut | Kokila (Kannada, 1977) |
| Notable Films | Madalasa (1978), Thoorpu Velle Railu (1979), Moodu Pani (1980), Payanangal Mudivathillai (1982), Sutta Pazham (2008), Haraa (2024), GOAT (2024) |
| Total Films | Over 300 films (Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and two Japanese films) |
| Awards | Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Actor (1982) – Payanangal Mudivathillai |
| Nicknames | Kokila Mohan, Mic Mohan, Silver Jubilee Star |
| Family | Married to Gowri (1987), had one son |
| Business Venture | Founded Civic Cinema, produced films like Thalappavu (2008) |
| Date of Death | July 14, 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Car accident during a stunt for the Tamil film Vettuvan |
| Legacy | Versatile actor, role model for aspiring actors, known for humility and staying connected to his roots |
Film Debut
Mohan Raj’s entry into films was not planned. His love for storytelling drew him to acting. In 1977, he got his first big break in the Kannada film *Kokila*. This movie gave him the nickname “Kokila Mohan.” The film was a hit, and people noticed his natural acting skills. His ability to bring characters to life was special. He made audiences feel emotions deeply. After *Kokila*, he acted in a Malayalam film called *Madalasa* in 1978. This was followed by a Telugu film, *Thoorpu Velle Railu*, in 1979. Each role showed his versatility.
In 1980, Mohan Raj starred in the Tamil film *Moodu Pani*. This movie was based on psychology and became a box-office success. His role as Bhaskar was loved by many. People began calling him the “Rajendra Kumar of Tamil cinema” because of his charm and talent. His performances were powerful yet simple. He could play a hero, a villain, or a supporting character with ease. This made him a favorite in the industry.
Mohan Raj’s career grew in the 1980s. He acted in many Tamil films and earned the nickname “Mic Mohan” because he often played singers who used microphones. In 1982, he won the Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Actor for his role in *Payanangal Mudivathillai*. This award was a proud moment for him. It showed that his hard work was paying off. He became a “Silver Jubilee Star,” a title given to actors whose films ran for 25 weeks in theaters. This was a big achievement in those days.
Challenges
His journey was not always easy. Mohan Raj faced challenges in the industry. Sometimes, roles were hard to get. Other times, films did not do well. But he never lost hope. He believed in his talent and kept working. In 2008, he made a comeback with the Tamil film *Sutta Pazham*. It was a low-budget movie but earned profits. This showed that audiences still loved him. In 2024, he returned to Tamil cinema after 13 years with *Haraa*, an action drama. He also played the main villain in *The Greatest of All Time* alongside Vijay. His acting as the antagonist won praise from fans and critics.
Personal Life
Mohan Raj was not just an actor; he was a family man. In 1987, he married Gowri, and they had a son. He loved spending time with his family. Despite his busy career, he made sure to be there for them. His son was his pride, and he often shared stories about his childhood in Kanjiramkulam. Mohan Raj’s humility made him special. Even after becoming famous, he stayed connected to his roots. He visited his village often and helped those in need.
His work went beyond acting. Mohan Raj’s company, Civic Cinema, produced films like *Thalappavu* in 2008. This showed his love for meaningful stories. He wanted to create films that touched hearts. His passion for cinema was endless. He also acted in two Japanese films, proving that his talent crossed borders. This made him a unique figure in Indian cinema. Not many actors from his time worked in international projects.
Mohan Raj’s life was full of variety. He was an army man, an officer, an actor, and a producer. Each role taught him something new. He believed in learning from every experience. His friends in the industry admired his dedication. Directors loved working with him because he was professional. He always came prepared and gave his best. Actors like Vijay respected him for his experience and kindness.
Sadly, on July 14, 2025, Mohan Raj’s life was cut short. He was performing a high-risk stunt for the Tamil film *Vettuvan*, directed by Pa Ranjith and starring Arya. A car accident during the stunt took his life. The news shocked the film industry and his fans. People shared memories of his roles on social media. They called him a legend who brought joy to millions. His death was a reminder of the risks actors take to entertain audiences.
Mohan Raj’s legacy lives on. His films are still watched by many. Young actors look up to him as an inspiration. He showed that hard work and passion can lead to success. His journey from a small village to the big screen is a story of courage. He faced challenges but never gave up. His love for acting made him a star. His kindness made him a hero in real life.
In his village, people remember him as a humble man. He never forgot where he came from. He helped young talents in Kanjiramkulam by sharing his knowledge. He believed that everyone deserved a chance to shine. His family continues to honor his memory. They plan to keep his production company alive to tell more stories. Fans hope that his unreleased Kannada film, *Ashokavana*, will one day be shared with the world.
Life Lessons
Mohan Raj’s life teaches us important lessons. He showed that dreams can come true with effort. He proved that talent can take you far, no matter where you start. His story is not just about films. It is about staying true to yourself. It is about helping others and spreading joy. His smile on screen and his warmth off screen will always be remembered.
In conclusion, Mohan Raj was more than an actor. He was a man of strength, talent, and heart. From his early days in Kanjiramkulam to his final moments on a film set, he lived with purpose. His 300 films are a treasure for Indian cinema. His life is a story of hope for anyone with a dream. As we remember him, we celebrate a man who made the world a brighter place through his art.