Malyalam Actor Mohanlal to be honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal will be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023 at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony to be held on September 23, 2025. "Mohanlal’s remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations!" the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced on Saturday (September 20).

"The legendary actor, director, and producer is being honoured for his iconic contribution to Indian Cinema.  His unmatched talent, versatility, and relentless hard work have set a golden standard in Indian film history," the ministry wrote.

He has acted in over 350 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu cinema over a four-decade career since his debut in Manjil Virinja Pookkal in 1980.

Mohanlal has also received top civillian honours including Padma Bhushan in 2019 and Padma Shri in 2001.

Also Read: Mohanlal-starrer 'Drishyam 3' to release in October

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Mohanlal after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the legendary actor, director, and producer as the recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023, India's highest honour in cinema.

Celebrating the 'Lucifer' actor's "excellence and versatility", PM Modi's post on X read in Malyalam, "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. He has also delivered remarkable performances in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films.

ശ്രീ

മോഹൻലാൽ ജി പ്രതിഭയുടെയും അഭിനയ വൈവിധ്യത്തിന്റെയും പ്രതീകമാണ്. പതിറ്റാണ്ടുകൾ നീണ്ട സവിശേഷമായ കലാസപര്യയിലൂടെ, മലയാള സിനിമയിലും നാടകത്തിലും പ്രമുഖ വ്യക്തിത്വമായി നിലകൊള്ളുന്ന അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്, കേരള സംസ്കാരത്തിൽ തീവ്രമായ അഭിനിവേശമുണ്ട്.തെലുങ്ക്, തമിഴ്, കന്നഡ, ഹിന്ദി സിനിമകളിലും… https://t.co/4MWI1oFJsJ pic.twitter.com/MJp4z96RlV

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2025

I&B minister Ashwani Vaishnaw also congratulated the actor and said his legacy will keep inspiring “Bharat’s creative spirit”. “Congratulations to Lalettan @Mohanlal ji. From the adipoli, beautiful land of Kerala to audiences worldwide, his work has celebrated our culture and magnified our aspirations,” he posted on X.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said, “Wonderful news for all fans and admirers of @Mohanlal! As an MP I am proud to lay claim to representing his city… Congratulations to Kerala’s pride, our very own Lal!” 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.