Veteran Malayalam actor Mohanlal has been named the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023, India’s highest recognition in cinema. The honour, announced on Saturday (Sept. 20) by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B), will be presented at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony on September 23, 2025, in New Delhi.
The award acknowledges Mohanlal’s extraordinary career spanning over four decades and more than 400 films across various Indian languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. The Ministry noted that the selection committee recommended him for his “iconic contribution to Indian cinema,” highlighting his “unmatched talent, versatility, relentless hard work, and cultural impact.”
Outpouring of Tributes
The announcement sparked nationwide celebrations, with political leaders, film personalities, and fans of Mohanlal lauding the 65-year-old actor’s legacy.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to extend his congratulations, hailing him as “a leading light of Malayalam cinema and theatre” was among the first to extend his congratulations. “His cinematic and theatrical brilliance across mediums is truly inspiring,” the Prime Minister posted on X, adding that the actor’s journey continues to inspire generations.
I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also congratulated the actor, affectionately calling him “Lalettan,” and said Mohanlal’s body of work has “celebrated Kerala’s culture and magnified our aspirations.” “His legacy will keep inspiring Bharat’s creative spirit.”
The recognition was met with an outpouring of admiration from across the Indian film industry. Mohanlal’s long-time contemporary and close friend, Mammootty, described the recognition as deeply personal, calling him “more than a colleague, a brother, and an artist who has lived and breathed cinema.” He added that the Dadasaheb Phalke Award was “not just for an actor, but for a true artist who has embarked on this wonderful cinematic journey for decades.”
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar expressed his reverence for the Malayalam superstar, noting that every time he had the opportunity to meet or watch him perform, it felt like “sitting in the front row of the greatest acting school ever.” He called the honour “richly deserved,” adding, “Respect and love.”
Veteran Telugu actor Chiranjeevi Konidela also offered heartfelt congratulations, addressing him as “my dear Lalettan” and praising his “remarkable journey and iconic performances” that, he said, had enriched Indian cinema. His fellow South Indian star, Junior NTR, echoed the sentiment, calling Mohanlal “a true icon of Indian cinema” and emphasising that the award was “well deserved.”
Other leading voices from across industries joined in celebrating the honour. Kannada filmmaker-actor Rishab Shetty hailed Mohanlal’s journey across languages and generations as “a masterclass in cinema and an inspiration for every artist.” Actor Kichcha Sudeepa described him as a legend who could “turn every frame into magic,” while Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh lauded his “nuanced, soul-stirring performances” that had inspired generations.
Together, the tributes painted a portrait of Mohanlal as not only a Malayalam cinema icon but a pan-Indian figure whose work has transcended borders, languages, and generations.
Mohanlal’s Response
Speaking to reporters in Kochi, the 65-year-old Mohanlal accepted the Dadasaheb Phalke Award recognition with characteristic humility, calling it “an honour not just for me, but for the Malayalam film industry and its legacy.”
“With a deep sense of humility and with gratitude, I accept this award. This is an award for the Malayalam film industry, this is for its legacy, for its artistry. It’s a great moment for us. I believe this is one of the greatest moments in my life. I never thought about this. Thank you to the jury and the Govt for selecting me. I am dedicating this award to the Malayalam industry, to each and every one who worked with me [and] who shaped me.”
Mohanlal dedicated the recognition to the colleagues, directors, and artists who shaped his nearly five-decade career, while remembering those no longer alive. “Many who were with me for 48 years are no more. I’m remembering them today. Everyone together makes cinema — they made Mohanlal,” he reflected.
He also underlined the collective nature of the recognition, transcending personal glory: “It’s not about being the first or second Malayali to receive it. For me, this is about being part of something much bigger — I see this as an award for Indian cinema.”
A Storied Career
Born Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair, the actor made his screen debut in Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980), following an earlier unreleased project. Initially typecast in negative roles, he soon reinvented himself, rising to superstardom with films like Rajavinte Makan (1986) and redefining Malayalam cinema through his collaborations with director Priyadarshan, notably Poochakkoru Mookkuthi (1984).
His performances range from the internationally acclaimed Vanaprastham (1999), which screened at Cannes and earned him a National Award, to pan-Indian projects like Mani Ratnam’s Iruvar (1997) and Ram Gopal Varma’s Company (2002). His Drishyam (2013) remains one of the biggest Malayalam blockbusters, spawning remakes across India.
Mohanlal has previously won five National Film Awards, several Kerala State and Filmfare Awards South, and was conferred the Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2019). Beyond acting, he serves as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army and runs the ViswaSanthi Foundation, which supports healthcare and education initiatives for underprivileged communities.
A Legacy Secured
For an actor described as both the “heart” and “heartbeat” of Kerala, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award stands as a crowning achievement. It not only honors Mohanlal’s prolific artistry but also enshrines his role in carrying Malayalam cinema—and Indian cinema at large—onto the global stage.
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