Superstar Mohanlal To Be Conferred With Dadasaheb Phalke Award For Contribution To Indian Cinema

Iconic superstar Mohanlal, who predominantly works in the Malayalam film industry and known for landmark films such as “Iruvar”, “Vanaprastham” and “Drishyam”, will be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023, the country’s highest recognition in the field of cinema, the Information & Broadcasting ministry announced on Saturday, Sept. 20.

In a post on 'X' (formerly Twitter), the I&B Ministry said the actor, director and producer is being honoured on the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee for his “iconic contribution to Indian cinema”. The award will be presented to the 65-year-old during the 71st National Film Awards ceremony on Sept. 23.

“Mohanlal’s remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations… His unmatched talent, versatility, and relentless hard work have set a golden standard in Indian film history,” the I&B ministry said on 'X'.

Mohanlal made his debut as an antagonist in Fazil’s “Manjil Virinja Pookkal” (1980) and went on to star in critically-acclaimed and commercially-successful films such as “Manichitrathazhu”, “Kireedam”, “Bharatham”, “Thanmathra”, “Company”, “Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol” and “Pulimurugan”.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Mohanlal has acted in over 350 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada. Known for his effortless screen presence and wide range, he has received two National Film Awards for best actor, nine Kerala State Awards and international honours.

In addition to acting honours, Mohanlal was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2001, and the Padma Bhushan in 2019 for his contribution to the arts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Mohanlal as a leading light of Malayalam cinema who epitomises excellence and versatility, as he congratulated him on winning the Dadasaheb Phalke Award today.

'May his accomplishments continue to inspire generations to come,' PM Modi said on X, adding that he has also delivered remarkable performances in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films. His cinematic and theatrical brilliance across mediums is truly inspiring, he said.

The prime minister said, ''Shri Mohanlal Ji epitomises excellence and versatility. With a rich body of work spanning decades, he stands as a leading light of Malayalam cinema, theatre and is deeply passionate about the culture of Kerala.''

Replying to PM Modi’s post, Mohanlal said he is “deeply humbled and profoundly honoured” to receive the prestigious honour. “My heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji for your kind words and blessings, they fill me with encouragement and joy. I remain ever indebted to the art of cinema and to all those whose inspiration and support illuminate my journey,” he said.