Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has been named the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023, the country’s highest recognition in the field of cinema, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced on Saturday.
In a post on X, the 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 September 23.
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
“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 ministry stated.
A Stellar Career Spanning Four Decades
With a career spanning over forty years, Mohanlal has acted in more than 350 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada. His most acclaimed works include Thanmathra, Drishyam, Vanaprastham, Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol and Pulimurugan.
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Known for his effortless screen presence and versatility, the veteran actor has received two National Film Awards for Best Actor, nine Kerala State Awards and several international honours. He was previously recognised with the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2019 for his contribution to the arts.
PM Modi Congratulates Mohanlal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Mohanlal as a leading light of Malayalam cinema while congratulating him on receiving the honour.
“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,” the prime minister said in a post on X.
“May his accomplishments continue to inspire generations to come,” he added, noting that Mohanlal has also delivered remarkable performances in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films.
