Mohanlal gets Dadasaheb Phalke; leading light, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Mohanlal as a leading light of Malayalam cinema who epitomises excellence and versatility. “May his accomplishments continue to inspire generations to come,” Modi said on X.

Reacting to the honour, Mohanlal said, “I am deeply humbled and profoundly honored to receive The Dadasaheb Phalke Award. My heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji for your kind words and blessings, they fill me with encouragement and joy. I remain ever indebted to the art of cinema and to all those whose inspiration and support illuminate my journey.”

Celebrities across film industries took to social media to congratulate Mohanlal on being honoured with the award.

Priyadarshan wrote on X, “No one deserves this recognition more. Grateful to d Jury for recognising n honouring a most deserving legend. @Mohanlal.”

Akshay Kumar posted on X, “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.”

AMMA president Shweta Menon posted on Instagram, “Every emotion he’s given us, from making us laugh with that effortless charm to breaking us down with his intense roles, every unforgettable dialogue, every quiet glance – is being honoured today. It’s a celebration for everyone in the Malayalam film industry. For me, this feels like a personal victory.”

Mohanlal made his debut in the 1978 Malayalam film Thiranottam, which also served as the debut project for his longtime collaborator Priyadarshan. He has since starred in over 400 films, and was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2001, and the Padma Bhushan in 2019. Mohanlal has won five National Film Awards—two Best Actor, a Special Jury Mention and a Special Jury Award for acting, and an award for Best Feature Film (as producer), also nine Kerala State Film Awards.