Mohanlal Honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023: A Legendary Journey Celebrated
Veteran actor Mohanlal has been selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023, India’s highest honour in cinema, at the 71st National Film Awards. From his versatility across languages to decades of memorable performances, here’s a look at why Mohanlal earned this distinguished recognition.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023 Goes to Mohanlal – Legacy, Achievements, and What It Means
The Government of India has declared veteran actor-director-producer Mohanlal as the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023, the nation’s highest accolade in cinema. The award will be presented at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony in New Delhi on 23 September 2025.
Background of the Award
Instituted in 1969, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award honours individuals who have rendered outstanding lifetime contributions to Indian cinema. It includes a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize. Recipient selections are made by a committee of eminent personalities from the film industry.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award stands as the highest honor in Indian cinema, presented annually by the Government of India for outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the film industry. Named after Dadasaheb Phalke, regarded as the Father of Indian Cinema, the award has become a symbol of excellence, inspiration, and recognition for those who dedicated their lives to cinema.
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First awarded: 1969 (to Devika Rani)
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Presented by: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India
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Part of: National Film Awards ceremony
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Prize includes: A Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus), a shawl, and a cash prize
The award acknowledges a lifetime of achievement and contribution, not just in acting but also in directing, screenwriting, production, and music.
Notable Recipients of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award
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Devika Rani (1969) – First recipient, pioneer actress of Indian cinema.
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Satyajit Ray (1984) – Globally acclaimed filmmaker.
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Yash Chopra (2001) – Iconic filmmaker and producer.
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Amitabh Bachchan (2019) – Bollywood’s legendary actor.
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Asha Parekh (2020) – Celebrated actress of the golden era.
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Rajinikanth (2021) – Superstar with pan-India appeal.
Why Mohanlal?
- Mohanlal has had a film career spanning over 40 years, acting in more than 350 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. His versatility—from acclaimed dramatic roles to commercial entertainers, comedic flair to intense character parts—has been widely praised.
- The Government and selection committee described his contribution as “iconic,” praising his long-standing dedication to cinema and his ability to move audiences with varied performances.
- He has also received multiple National Film Awards, the Padma Shri (2001), and the Padma Bhushan (2019) earlier in his career.
Mohanlal’s Reaction & Industry Response
- Mohanlal expressed deep humility and gratitude upon receiving the news, calling it “a major honour” for himself and for Malayalam cinema.
- The announcement prompted praise from fellow actors, including Mammootty, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and various industry peers who hailed the honour as “well-deserved” and “a celebration of Indian cinematic excellence”.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Mohanlal, calling him an “epitome of excellence and versatility.”
The Ceremony & Date
Mohanlal will be formally conferred with the award during the 71st National Film Awards at the Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 23 September 2025.
Significance & Legacy
- Mohanlal becomes one of the few Malayalam actors to receive this honour — a testament to his cross-regional appeal and ability to transcend language barriers.
- His receiving the 2023 Dadasaheb Phalke Award adds him to the lineage of Indian cinema legends who have shaped the industry’s evolution.
- For many fans and critics, this recognition underscores the growing importance of regional cinema in India’s national narrative.
What It Means for Malayalam Cinema & Beyond
- Brings renewed spotlight on the Malayalam film industry on a national stage.
- Reinforces Indian cinema’s tradition of honoring artists for long careers spanning multiple languages and genres.
- Inspires younger actors and filmmakers in regional industries to aim for excellence, knowing national recognition is possible.
Conclusion
The announcement of Mohanlal as the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023 recipient is a moment of celebration for Indian cinema — recognizing not just acting prowess, but decades of dedication, artistry, and contributions that resonate across the country. As the award is conferred, it serves both as an honour for Mohanlal and a reminder of the power of cinema to cross boundaries.
