Mani Ratnam originally studied management and worked as a consultant before entering films.
His debut film was Pallavi Anu Pallavi (1983) in Kannada, starring Anil Kapoor.
He is known for introducing A. R. Rahman to cinema with Roja (1992).
Despite being a director, he has never acted in films.
He often collaborates with his wife, actress Suhasini, on creative projects.
His brother G. Venkateswaran was a noted film producer.
Mani Ratnam rarely gives interviews, preferring his films to speak for him.