New Delhi: South cinema superstar Mohanlal was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award by President Droupadi Murmu at the 71st National Awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on Tuesday. The honour recognises his exceptional contribution to Indian cinema over a career spanning more than four decades.
Celebration of a cinematic journey
Mohanlal, who has mesmerised audiences across multiple film industries, received a standing ovation from attendees as he accepted the prestigious award. Suchitra Mohanlal, his wife, was visibly emotional during the ceremony. The actor appeared in an elegant all-white kurta paired with a matching white scroll as he took to the stage to receive the award.
President Murmu was joined by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at the event, underlining the ceremony’s national significance. The award selection committee noted Mohanlal’s versatility, hard work, and enduring influence on Indian cinema.
Tribute to Malayalam cinema
In remarks following the announcement of the award, Mohanlal expressed that the honour transcends personal achievement. “This is a tribute to the Malayalam film industry. After 20 years, this award is coming back to Malayalam cinema. I share this with all the great artists who have shaped me and brought out the artist in me,” he said.
The ‘Drishyam’ actor highlighted that the award symbolises collective recognition for the Malayalam cinema fraternity, acknowledging the many collaborators who contributed to his illustrious journey.
Career and accolades
Mohanlal has worked in a wide array of films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi cinema, garnering critical and popular acclaim. Over his career, he has been the recipient of multiple National Film Awards, along with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, India’s prestigious civilian honours.
This award brings recognition to Malayalam cinema, following veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, who received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2004 for his contributions to Indian cinema.
Government recognition
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry lauded Mohanlal’s cinematic journey, stating: “Shri Mohanlal will be conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023. His unmatched talent, versatility, and relentless hard work have set a golden standard in Indian film history.”
Mohanlal’s achievement underscores the enduring legacy of Indian cinema and highlights the national significance of contributions from regional film industries.