Veteran actor Mohanlal has been chosen to receive the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2023, a recognition announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on September 20, 2025. The award will be presented at the upcoming 71st National Film Awards ceremony on September 23, 2025, following the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee. This award is the highest honor in Indian cinema, bestowed annually to honor a lifetime of remarkable contributions to the film industry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Mohanlal as the “epitome of excellence and versatility,” highlighting his four-decade-long career marked by more than 350 films across Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada languages. Modi praised Mohanlal’s cinematic and theatrical brilliance and his deep passion for Kerala’s cultural heritage. He underscored Mohanlal’s impact not only in Malayalam cinema but also in other Indian film industries, remarking that the actor’s accomplishments continue to inspire generations.
Mohanlal is widely recognized for his versatility and has won two National Film Awards for Best Actor, along with prestigious civilian honors including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. Beyond acting, he has contributed significantly as a director and producer. His body of work encapsulates both commercial successes and critically acclaimed performances, cementing his status as one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated figures.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award commemorates lifetime achievement in Indian cinema, recognizing individuals whose work has profoundly influenced the film industry. Mohanlal’s receiving this award further strengthens his legacy as an iconic figure whose artistic talents have left an enduring mark on Indian and regional cinemas.