Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal on Tuesday was conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest cinematic honour, at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the award to Mohanlal for his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema in 2023 amidst a grand ceremony where other National Award winners were also felicitated. The announcement of Mohanlal’s name was met with a standing ovation from the audience, reflecting his immense stature in the industry.
In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Mohanlal expressed deep humility and gratitude, stating, “It is with profound pride and gratitude that I stand before you today, having received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, an honour instituted by the Government of India in the name of the Father of Indian Cinema. As a representative of the Malayalam film industry, I am deeply humbled to be the youngest recipient and only the second ever from my state to be bestowed with this national recognition.”
He further emphasised the collective significance of the award, saying, “This moment is not mine alone. It belongs to the entire Malayalam cinema fraternity. I see this award as a collective tribute to our industry’s legacy, creativity, and resilience. When I first received the news from the Centre, I was overwhelmed not merely by the honour, but by the privilege of being chosen to carry forward the voice of our cinematic tradition. I believe this is destiny’s gentle hand, allowing me to accept this award on behalf of all those who shaped Malayalam cinema with their vision and artistry. To be honest, I never dared to dream of this moment, not even in my wildest dreams. And so, this is not a dream come true; it is something far greater. It is magical and sacred. It roots me more deeply in gratitude and responsibility. I accept this award as the blessing of my forerunners, the legendary masters of Malayalam cinema, past and present. I dedicate it to them, to the vibrant Malayalam film industry, and to the discerning, intelligent audience of Kerala, who have nurtured our art with love and insight.”
Mohanlal concluded his speech with a poetic tribute, referencing the renowned Malayalam poet Kumaran Asan: “As Kumaran Asan, the great poet, reformer, and philosopher, once noted in Veena Poovu: ‘This flower did not merely fall into the dust; it reaped a life of beauty.’ Let this moment be a tribute to all those who bloomed with brilliance and faded with grace, leaving behind a fragrance that continues to inspire. As an actor and film personality, this honour strengthens my resolve. It deepens my commitment to cinema. And I pledge to continue my journey with renewed sincerity, passion, and purpose. Cinema is the heartbeat of my soul. Jai Hind.”
Mohanlal becomes only the second artist from the Malayalam film industry to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, following veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan. With a career spanning 45 years, Mohanlal has starred in over 360 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada cinema, earning him widespread acclaim as one of India’s most celebrated actors. His peers and successors frequently cite him as a favourite and influential figure in the industry.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, a day after being named the award recipient, Mohanlal reflected on the significance of the honour, stating, “Cinema today has no boundaries — it has become pan-Indian. This is not just my award; it belongs to Indian cinema. I thank God for this honour. Any work must be done with honesty and dedication, and many people helped me along the way. I share this recognition with all of them.” He added, “There is honesty in the work we do. I share this award with everyone. I am not someone who shoulders criticisms and walks; this moment is to be cherished.”
A recipient of the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2019, Mohanlal has previously won five National Film Awards, including two Best Actor awards for Bharatham and Vanaprastham, a Special Jury Mention for Kireedam, a Special Jury Award for acting in Janatha Garage, Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol, and Pulimurugan, and an award for Best Feature Film as the producer of Vanaprastham.
Mohanlal’s journey began at age 20 with his debut in Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980), directed by Fazil. Rising from a family with no industry connections, alongside contemporaries like Mammootty, he achieved stardom through dedication and talent. The year 2025 has been particularly successful for him, with two blockbusters, L2: Empuraan and Thudarum, each grossing Rs 200 crore, ranking among the year’s most successful films. His most recent release, Hridayapoorvam, also achieved commercial success.
Before Mohanlal, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award was conferred on luminaries such as Mithun Chakraborty, Waheeda Rehman, Asha Parekh, Rajinikanth, and Amitabh Bachchan, underscoring the prestige of this recognition in Indian cinema.
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