Legendary actor Mohanlal has dedicated the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award to the Malayalam film industry, calling it the true foundation of his artistic journey. The announcement of the award, India’s highest recognition in cinema, was met with widespread celebration across Kerala and among his fans worldwide.
In his acceptance message, Mohanlal expressed gratitude to directors, co-stars, technicians, and audiences who supported him throughout his career spanning over four decades. “This award is not just for me—it belongs to the Malayalam film industry that nurtured me, gave me opportunities, and helped me grow as an actor. Whatever I am today, I owe it to Malayalam cinema,” he said.
Known as the “Complete Actor,” Mohanlal has appeared in more than 350 films across multiple languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. His versatility, natural acting style, and iconic performances in films such as Kireedam, Bharatham, Vanaprastham, and Drishyam have cemented his place as one of India’s greatest actors.
Industry colleagues and political leaders hailed the recognition as a proud moment for Kerala and Indian cinema as a whole. Several filmmakers noted that Mohanlal’s humility in dedicating the award to the Malayalam film fraternity reflects his deep respect for the craft and his roots.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, instituted in 1969, is given annually by the Government of India for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. With this honor, Mohanlal joins the league of cinema legends such as Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, and Lata Mangeshkar who have received the award in previous years.
As Kerala gears up to celebrate the achievement, fans and film associations are planning grand events to honor Mohanlal’s unparalleled contribution to cinema.