Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, with a career of over 40 years and more than 350 films, has been named the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023, the most prestigious accolade in Indian cinema. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced this recognition of his contributions to Indian cinema on Monday. He will be presented with the award at the 71st National Film Awards on September 23, 2025.
Earlier this week, the ministry announced on social media: “On the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee, the Government of India is pleased to announce that Shri. Mohanlal will be conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023. Mohanlal’s remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations!"
Mohanlal Thanks Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Shortly after the announcement, the seasoned actor shared a heartfelt message on X (previously known as Twitter), stating, “Truly humbled to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. This honour is not mine alone, it belongs to every person who has walked alongside me on this journey."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his congratulations to Mohanlal on X. In response, the actor replied to PM Modi, “I am deeply humbled and profoundly honored to receive The Dadasaheb Phalke Award. 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."
Mohanlal's contribution to Cinema
Mohanlal started his acting career at the age of 18 with the Malayalam film Thiranottam in 1978, although it was not released until 2005. His true debut on the big screen was with Manjil Virinja Pookkal in 1980. Over the last forty years, he has acted in over 400 films. While he is a prominent figure in Malayalam cinema, Mohanlal has also appeared in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada films.
He has won five National Film Awards, including two for Best Actor. In addition to his cinematic accomplishments, he has been honored with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, India's fourth and third-highest civilian awards.
Established in 1969, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award is given each year to honor an individual's exceptional contribution to Indian cinema. Mohanlal is set to be the 53rd honoree of this prestigious award.
