Padma Shri Conferred on Veteran Actor, Philanthropist and Former MP Maganti Murali Mohan
New Delhi, June 23 (TNT): Veteran actor, producer, entrepreneur and former Member of Parliament Shri Maganti Murali Mohan has been conferred the Padma Shri in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the fields of cinema, public service and social welfare.
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma Awards 2026 at the second Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Tuesday evening.
A multifaceted personality who continues to remain active at the age of 85, Murali Mohan has made a lasting impact across the entertainment industry, business sector and public life.
Born on June 24, 1940, in Guntupalli village of Andhra Pradesh, he hailed from a family that actively participated in India’s freedom movement and made significant sacrifices for the national cause.
A former student of Sir C.R.R. College, Eluru, he left his studies to pursue business while nurturing a deep passion for theatre and acting.
Murali Mohan entered the Telugu film industry in 1973 and recently completed 50 years in cinema. During his illustrious career, he acted in over 350 films and earned widespread acclaim for his performances.
He also established Jayabheri Art Productions, under which he produced 25 films in Telugu and Kannada.
His contributions to cinema earned him several honours, including the prestigious Nandi Award for Best Actor from the Andhra Pradesh Government.
Several films produced under the Jayabheri banner also received State awards, including the Nandi Award for Best Film.
Beyond acting, Murali Mohan played an important role in the development of the film industry.
He served as a member of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Film Development Corporation (APSFDC), and held key positions in the Movie Artistes Association (MAA) for over a decade.
He was instrumental in organising the International Children’s Film Festival in Hyderabad and played a significant role in the institution of Nandi Awards for Theatre Arts.
In 2025, he also served as Chairman of the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards Committee.
Known for his philanthropic activities, Murali Mohan established the Murali Mohan Charitable Trust to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections.
The trust has also organised medical camps in rural areas, promoted women’s health awareness, supported anti-tobacco and cancer-prevention campaigns, and extended assistance to schools for the visually impaired and accident victims.
After achieving success in the film industry, he ventured into business and founded Jayabheri Properties Pvt. Ltd., which emerged as a trusted name in the real estate sector.
Through the Jayabheri Group’s ventures in real estate and automobiles, employment opportunities have been created for thousands of people.
In recognition of his popularity and public service, Murali Mohan was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Rajahmundry constituency in Andhra Pradesh in 2014.
His contribution to the successful conduct of the Godavari Pushkaram in 2015 received wide appreciation.
Over the years, he has received numerous national and international honours for his contributions to cinema and society.
In recognition of his achievements in arts and public service, KL University, Vijayawada, conferred upon him an honorary doctorate.
The Padma Shri honour acknowledges Murali Mohan’s enduring contribution to Indian cinema, social welfare, entrepreneurship and public life.
TNT TS
