Dileep’s Journey Success, Scandal and What Lies Ahead for the Malayalam Star (Source: Instagram)
Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan is widely known as Dileep. He is an Indian film actor, producer, and entrepreneur who predominantly works in Malayalam cinema. He has acted in over 150 films and won several awards, including four Kerala State Film Awards and a Filmfare Award South.
Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan Pillai, popularly known by his stage name Dileep, is an Indian actor, producer, and entrepreneur who primarily works in Malayalam cinema. He is regarded as one of the most commercially successful actors in the industry.
Malayalam actor Dileep’s net worth is estimated to be around ₹600 crore. Reports highlight his vast real estate portfolio, business ventures (including hotels, theatres, and a production house), and significant film earnings. This makes him one of Kerala’s wealthiest entertainment personalities, though exact figures may vary.
He was born on October 27, 1968. He is 57 years old.
Dileep, a prominent Malayalam actor, has appeared in over 130 films since his debut in 1992. He is known for his work in comedy and family dramas and has also produced several films through his company, Grand Production.
The term "Dileep Banana Case" appears to be a misnomer for the Kerala actor assault case of February 2017, in which Malayalam actor Dileep is an accused. The trial court in Ernakulam is expected to pronounce its judgment in the case on December 8, 2025.
Malayalam actor Dileep’s most recent releases as of December 2025 include Pavi Caretaker and Thankamani (2024), and Prince and Family (May 2025). He also has several upcoming projects scheduled for release in late 2025 and 2026.
Malayalam superstar Dileep (P.C. George) has acted in very few Tamil films. His notable Tamil debut was Raajjiyam (2002), where he appeared alongside Vijayakanth. Although the film was not a major success, it marked his entry into Tamil cinema. There was also a different actor named R. Dilip who worked across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam films, but the prominent Dileep (P.C. George) largely focused on Malayalam cinema.
Indian actor Dileep’s height is generally listed as around 5 feet 5.75 inches (1.67 meters). Some sources list minor variations, such as 1.63 m, but IMDb consistently cites 1.67 m (5' 5¾").
Dileep made his acting debut in a small role in Kamal’s Ennodishtam Koodamo (1992) after a scheduled actor failed to appear.
He was first married to actress Manju Warrier. After their divorce, he married actress Kavya Madhavan in 2016.
Malayalam actor Dileep has two daughters: Meenakshi Dileep, his elder daughter from his first marriage to actress Manju Warrier, and Mahalakshmi Dileep, his younger daughter with his current wife, actress Kavya Madhavan.
Dileep began his career as a mimicry artist and later worked as an assistant director. He made his acting debut in a minor role in the 1994 film Manathe Kottaram. He quickly rose to prominence and became known for his versatility, particularly in comedy and family-oriented films.
His filmography includes numerous box-office hits such as Ee Parakkum Thalika, Meesha Madhavan, C.I.D. Moosa, Kathavasheshan, and Two Countries.
He has received several accolades throughout his career, including multiple Kerala State Film Awards.
Dileep’s real name is Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan Pillai.
He gained significant media attention due to his alleged involvement in the 2017 actress assault case, where he was arrested and later released on bail. The legal proceedings related to this case are ongoing.
The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court will deliver its verdict today, December 8, 2025, in the 2017 Kerala actress abduction and assault case a high-profile trial that has stretched nearly eight years. The judgment, expected around 11 a.m., concerns the kidnapping and sexual assault of a leading Malayalam actress in a moving car in Kochi in February 2017.
Ten people are accused, including actor Dileep, who is charged with masterminding the crime. The prime accused, N.S. Sunil (Pulsar Suni), allegedly executed the assault and recorded it. The prosecution claims Dileep plotted the attack as revenge after the survivor revealed his extramarital affair to his then-wife, Manju Warrier.
The in-camera trial saw multiple delays—from prosecutor changes and court petitions to allegations of evidence tampering with over 260 witnesses examined. All accused have been ordered to appear in court for the verdict, which has led to widespread public interest. The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) has reaffirmed its support for the survivor with the message “Avalkoppam” (with her).
Bha. Bha. Ba. is an upcoming Malayalam action-comedy starring Dileep, Vineeth Sreenivasan, and Dhyan Sreenivasan. Directed by Dhananjay Shankar, it is set for worldwide release on December 18, 2025. The film promises a “World of Madness” with humor, action, and grand visuals, and will feature a cameo appearance by Mohanlal.
