Mohanlal conferred with Dadasaheb Phalke Award, PM Narendra Modi and actor Akshay Kumar congratulate the veteran on the honour

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has been chosen for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the honour, recognising his remarkable contribution to Indian cinema. He will receive the award at the 71st National Film Awards on September 23, 2025.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a picture with the actor and wrote- “Shri Mohanlal Ji is a symbol of talent and acting versatility. With a unique artistic career spanning decades, he has stood as a prominent figure in Malayalam cinema and theatre, and has a deep passion for Kerala culture. He has also excelled in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films. His brilliance across the film and theatre mediums is a true inspiration.”

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

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar tweeted- "

Heartiest congratulations,

@Mohanlal

sir, on being honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Every time I’ve had the chance to meet you or observe your work, it’s been like sitting in the front row of the greatest acting school ever.

This recognition is so richly deserved. Respect and love."

Heartiest congratulations, @Mohanlal sir, on being honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Every time I’ve had the chance to meet you or observe your work, it’s been like sitting in the front row of the greatest acting school ever.
This recognition is so richly deserved.… pic.twitter.com/XovwKFTHDU

— Jolly Mishra - Asli Jolly from Kanpur (@akshaykumar) September 20, 2025

Mohanlal expresses gratitude

Soon after the announcement, the veteran actor took to X (formerly Twitter) to pen a sweet note saying, “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.”

He further wrote, “To my family, audience, colleagues, friends, and well wishers, your love, faith, and encouragement have been my greatest strength and have shaped who I am today. I carry this recognition with deep gratitude and a full heart.”

Mohanlal’s big achievement!

While sharing it with the world on social media, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on X wrote, “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! 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 award will be presented at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony on Sept 23, 2025.”

Mohanlal’s career span

Mohanlal began acting at just 18 with the Malayalam film Thiranottam in 1978. However, the movie released much later in 2005, making Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980) his actual big-screen debut. Over the past four decades, he has appeared in more than 400 films. Though widely celebrated in Malayalam cinema, Mohanlal has also worked in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada movies. His exceptional performances have earned him five National Awards so far.

The superstar was last seen in Hridayapoorvam, which turned out to be a box office success. His upcoming projects include Vrusshabha, Drishyam 3, and Patriot, all of which are eagerly awaited by fans

With added inputs from agencies