71st National Film Awards: Mohanlal to Be Honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award

September 21, 2025

New Delhi: Veteran Malayalam actor Mohanlal has been named the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023, the country’s highest honour in cinema. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the decision on Saturday, stating that the award will be presented at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony on September 23.

Widely regarded as one of Indian cinema’s most versatile performers, Mohanlal has worked in more than 400 films over four decades, across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi. The 65-year-old superstar has already won five National Film Awards and several Kerala State Film Awards, apart from receiving the Padma Shri (2001) and the Padma Bhushan (2019).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him, describing Mohanlal as a “leading light of Malayalam cinema and theatre” whose work reflects his deep passion for Kerala’s culture. “His cinematic brilliance across languages is truly inspiring,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also lauded the actor, saying his legacy will “keep inspiring Bharat’s creative spirit.”

A statement from the Ministry called Mohanlal a “legendary actor, director, and producer” whose “unmatched talent, versatility, and relentless hard work” have set a golden benchmark in Indian cinema.

Beyond films, Mohanlal was commissioned as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army in 2009, underlining his stature as one of India’s most respected cultural icons.

The award marks yet another milestone in the illustrious career of “Lalettan,” as he is fondly known, celebrating his enduring impact on cinema and culture in India and beyond.