The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has announced that legendary actor Mohanlal will be awarded the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023, India's highest honour in cinema. The accolade will be presented during the 71st National Film Awards ceremony on September 23, 2025, celebrating Mohanlal’s iconic contributions across nearly four decades in the industry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Mohanlal on social media, highlighting his "excellence and versatility" and calling him a "leading light of Malayalam cinema, theatre and culture." Modi also lauded Mohanlal’s remarkable work in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi films and his passion for Kerala’s heritage.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, I&B Minister, congratulated Mohanlal—endearingly known as "Lalettan"—for magnifying Indian culture and inspiring Bharat’s creative spirit through his celebrated career.
The Ministry stated, “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. His remarkable journey inspires generations. With unmatched talent, versatility, and relentless dedication, Mohanlal has set a golden standard in Indian cinema history."
Regarded as one of India's most respected stars, Mohanlal is a multifaceted actor, director, and producer. Beyond cinema, he was commissioned as Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army in 2009. The Malayalam superstar, who turned 65 this year, boasts a catalogue of over 400 films and has received five National Film Awards, numerous Kerala State Awards, and civilian honours—the Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2019).
Mohanlal has continually inspired audiences with blockbuster hits and moving performances spanning regional boundaries, cementing his legacy as a versatile, humble, and globally admired artist. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award stands as fitting recognition for his enduring impact and cinematic brilliance.
