By Khushi Namdev
Malayalam actor Mohanlal will be presented with one of the most prestigious awards of Indian cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023, at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony to be held on 23rd September this year.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting said that the highest cinema honor will be conferred on the superstar for his outstanding contribution to world cinema, as per the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award selection committee.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took to the social media platform “X” to extend his best wishes to the cinematic icon, stating that the actor embodies exceptional passion, talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft. He also reflected on how Mohanlal has been the epitome of not only Malayalam cinema but also the representative of Kerala’s culture.
In a beautiful message, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Yadav, acknowledged the superstar’s achievements and praised him in a very personal and emotional tone, also highlighting how Mohanlal’s work has celebrated Kerala’s culture and amplified the aspirations of its community.
Beyond the framework of cinema, the actor is also known for his appointment as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army in 2009. Mohanlal is recognized not just for his acting but also for his contributions to the industry as a producer and director. This recognition makes him the second Malayalam actor to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke honor after filmmaker Adoor Gopalkrishna in 2004.
The actor also expressed his gratitude to the audience and the film fraternity, thanking them for being his backbone throughout his 48-year journey. He further described this as a personal milestone and a matter of pride for Malayalam cinema.
At 65, the Malayalam actor, producer, and director stands as an inspiration to many. With more than 400 movies over four decades of his professional career, he has received five National Awards, several Kerala State Honours, the Padma Shri, and the Padma Bhushan.