Who Is Mani Ratnam? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Mani Ratnam, born on June 2, 1956, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, is an iconic Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer. As of 2025, he is 68 years old. Renowned for his unique storytelling techniques and visual aesthetics, Ratnam has made significant contributions to Indian cinema, particularly in the Tamil film industry. His work often incorporates intricate storytelling, rich character development, and contemporary socio-political themes. Over the years, he has garnered numerous awards and accolades, establishing a legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 2, 1956 |
| Age | 69 Years |
| Birth Place | Madurai, Madras State, India |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | India |
Popularity
Mani Ratnam's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Mani Ratnam maintains a modest stature, with a height of approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and weighs around 70 kg (154 lbs). Though exact body measurements are not publicly documented, he is known for his mature and distinguished appearance, which reflects his artistic persona.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Mani Ratnam is married to the renowned actress and producer Suhashini Maniratnam. The couple tied the knot in 1988 and have a son together named Nandan. They are often seen as a powerhouse couple in the film industry, supporting each other's creative endeavors. While there have been no reports regarding any extramarital relationships, Ratnam's longtime commitment to his family and wife is well-documented.
His father, S. Gopalaratnam, was a film distributor who worked for Venus Pictures, while his uncle, "Venus" Krishnamurthy, was a film producer. His elder brother G. Venkateswaran (died 2003) would go on to produce some of his films. His younger brother G. Srinivasan (died 2007), like G. Venkateswaran, would also co-produce some of his films.
Mani Ratnam grew up in Madras (now Chennai), along with his siblings and cousins. Despite being a film family, the children were not allowed to watch films as the elders considered them taboo.
"As a youngster, films seemed like a waste of time", he claimed in a 1994 interview; however, he started watching films more actively when he was studying at the Besant Theosophical School. During this time, he developed an admiration for actors like Sivaji Ganesan and Nagesh; watching all their films. When he discovered the legendary director K.
Balachander, he became his fan. Upon completing his schooling, he graduated with a degree in commerce from the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, affiliated to the Madras University. Later, he did his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in finance from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies in Mumbai.
After finishing his post-graduation in 1977, he was employed in a firm in Madras as a management consultant, and continued to work there for sometime.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Mani Ratnam’s estimated net worth is around $50 million. His earnings stem from his successful directorial ventures, production house, and various brand endorsements. Ratnam’s films have not only been commercially successful but have also been critically acclaimed, allowing him to maintain a prominent position in the competitive world of cinema.
Career, Business, and Investments
Mani Ratnam began his career in the late 1980s and quickly rose to fame with films such as "Mouna Raagam," "Roja," and "Bombay." His unique approach to filmmaking—blending Indian culture with contemporary subjects—has earned him numerous awards, including National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards.
In addition to directing, he runs Madras Talkies, a successful production company that has produced many acclaimed films. Ratnam has also invested in various business ventures, including production and distribution of films, underscoring his expertise and influence within the industry.
Ratnam married actress Suhasini on 26 August 1988. The couple have a son. The family resides in Alwarpet, Chennai, where he runs his production company, Madras Talkies.
Social Network
Mani Ratnam maintains a low profile on social media compared to many of his contemporaries, yet he has a significant presence. He is active on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where he shares insights into his work and occasionally discusses his views on cinema and society. His followers admire his artistic vision and often engage with his posts, showcasing their appreciation for his films.
Despite being born into a film family, Mani Ratnam did not develop any interest in films when he was young. Upon completion of his post graduation in management, he started his career as a consultant. He entered the film industry through the 1983 Kannada film, Pallavi Anu Pallavi.
The failure of his subsequent films would mean that he would be left with fewer offers. After working in Telugu and Malayalam Cinema, he made his major breakthrough with Mouna Ragam (1986), established him as a leading filmmaker in Tamil cinema which won him his first Filmfare Best Director Award.
He was the director of the critically acclaimed Nayakan (1987) and Anjali (1990), both of which qualified as India's official entry for The Academy Awards. He found success with the crime drama Thalapathi, romantic terrorism drama Roja (1992), Bombay (1995), Dil Se..
(1998), and his romantic trilogy of Mouna Ragam (1986), Alai Payuthey (2000), O Kadhal Kanmani (2015).
Education
Mani Ratnam completed his schooling at St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School in Chennai before earning a degree in Economics from Loyola College, Chennai. He later pursued an MBA from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai. His educational background laid the foundation for his analytical approach in film direction and storytelling, allowing him to create films that resonate deeply with audiences.
In conclusion, Mani Ratnam remains a pivotal figure in Indian cinema as of 2025. With a combination of artistic brilliance, business acumen, and a strong family foundation, he continues to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts worldwide.
