Mohanlal to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award at National Film Awards

Veteran Malayalam actor Mohanlal will be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023 at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony in New Delhi on September 23, 2025, the federal Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced on Friday. The ministry said the decision follows the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee and praised Mohanlal for a "remarkable cinematic journey" that has inspired generations.

The ministry posted the announcement on X, saying the actor, director and producer is being recognised for an "iconic contribution to Indian cinema" and noting his "unmatched talent, versatility and relentless hard work." Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Mohanlal on X, calling him a "leading light of Malayalam cinema and theatre" and praising his contributions across languages. Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw also offered congratulations on social media.

Mohanlal, who has been a prominent figure in Indian cinema for more than four decades, expressed humility in response to the award. On X he wrote, "Truly humbled to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. This honour is not mine alone, it belongs to every...