The Dadasaheb Phalke Award adds a crowning chapter to the actor’s long trajectory in Indian cinema and was hailed by fans and colleagues as a moment of pride for Malayalam film as well as for the broader film community.
Published Sep 23, 2025 | 7:12 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 23, 2025 | 8:24 PM
Mohanlal receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award. (Screengrab)
Veteran Malayalam actor Mohanlal was presented with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award — India’s highest cinematic honour — at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan on Tuesday, 23 September.
The citation was handed over personally by President Droupadi Murmu as the gathering rose in applause.
Earlier, following the announcement of the award, Mohanlal spoke of humility and gratitude and said he could not claim the honour for himself alone.
The ceremony, which was streamed live on the official PIB India YouTube channel, witnessed an emotional reception as Mohanlal walked onto the stage.
With a calm, dignified smile he received the honour — a recognition that crowns a career spanning more than four decades.
Taking to the stage, Mohanlal expressed his heartfelt gratitude and reflected on the honour with characteristic humility.
“It’s profound pride and gratitude. As a representative of the Malayalam film industry, I am deeply humbled to be the youngest recipient and only the second person from Kerala to receive this national recognition,” he said.
The first person being acclaimed director Adoor Gopalakrishnan.
Mohanlal stressed that this accolade was not his alone. “This moment belongs to the entire Malayalam film fraternity. I see this award as a collective tribute to our industry’s legacy, creativity, and resilience,” he remarked.
Speaking about the moment of announcement, the actor admitted, “When I first heard about this recognition from the Centre, I was overwhelmed — not by the honour, but by the privilege of being chosen to carry forward the voices of our cinematic traditions. This is not just a dream come true; it’s magical.”
In a moving dedication, Mohanlal said, “I dedicate this award to the vibrant Malayalam film industry and to the discerning audience of Kerala. Cinema is the heartbeat of my soul.”
Mohanlal, often described as “The Complete Actor,” has appeared in around 400 films across languages and has won five National Awards during his career.
Congratulating the actor, the President wrote on X: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Shri Mohanlal on being honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. He has effortlessly portrayed emotions from the most tender to the most intense, and his image as The Complete Actor has been established.”
मोहनलाल जी को दादासाहब फाल्के पुरस्कार से सम्मानित किये जाने पर मैं उन्हें हार्दिक बधाई देती हूं। उन्होंने कोमल से कोमलतम और कठोर से कठोरतम भावों को सहजता से प्रस्तुत किया है और The Complete Actor की उनकी छवि बनी है। pic.twitter.com/bYS1fPjVP8
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 23, 2025
His performances — from the anguished young man in Kireedam (1989) to the calculating protagonist of Drishyam (2013) and the classical dancer in Vanaprastham (1999)— have been widely cited as examples of his range and ability to inhabit diverse roles.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award adds a crowning chapter to the actor’s long trajectory in Indian cinema and was hailed by fans and colleagues as a moment of pride for Malayalam film as well as for the broader film community.
Meanwhile, Sharukh Khan and Vikrant Massey have received the Best Actor Awards, and Rani Mukherjee has received the Best Actress Award.
Among the other winners are 12th Fail directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film, while Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was awarded Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
The ceremony also honoured Malayalam actors Urvashi and Vijayaraghavan, who received awards for Best Supporting Actress for Ullozhukku and Best Supporting Actor for Pookalam, respectively, further celebrating the talent and depth of Kerala’s cinematic landscape.
Best feature films in southern languages are:
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
