In a fitting tribute to his illustrious career spanning nearly five decades, renowned Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has been announced as the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honor in Indian cinema. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting confirmed that the prestigious award will be formally conferred upon the actor at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 23, 2025. This recognition solidifies his standing as one of the most celebrated and versatile actors in the history of Bharatiya filmdom.
Born on May 21, 1960, in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, to Viswanathan Nair and Santhakumari Nair, Mohanlal’s cinematic journey is a testament to his extraordinary talent and enduring popularity. He made his acting debut in the 1978 film Thiranottam, but it was his villainous role in the 1980 release Manjil Virinja Pookkal that first introduced him to the silver screen. Despite starting his career by playing an antagonist, he quickly won the hearts of the audience, who loved him with the same fervor as they would a hero.
Over the course of his remarkable 47-year career, Mohanlal has showcased an unparalleled range, acting in more than 400 films across Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada industries. His natural acting style and ability to effortlessly transition between serious acting, action, comedy, and even villainy have earned him critical acclaim and commercial success. He has demonstrated his genius by delivering memorable performances in a diverse range of films, from art-house cinema to blockbusters. His filmography is dotted with iconic movies such as Kireedam (1989), Lal Salam (1990), Bharatam (1991), Vanaprastham (1999), Pranayam (2011), Drishyam (2013), and the blockbuster Lucifer (2019), each a milestone in its own right.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award joins a long list of accolades that recognize his immense contributions to cinema and the arts. He is a recipient of multiple National Film Awards, including for Best Actor and Special Jury Awards, a testament to his consistent brilliance. In addition to his cinematic honors, the nation has bestowed upon him two of its highest civilian awards, the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2019, cementing his place as a national treasure.
Beyond the world of cinema, Mohanlal’s persona is marked by a unique distinction: he is the first actor to be conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, a rare recognition of his discipline and public service. Known for his regular spiritual practice and extensive charity work carried out in his mother’s name, he maintains a public image that transcends his celebrity status. His legacy, along with that of fellow megastar Mammootty, continues to dominate the Malayalam film industry, as both actors have remained at the pinnacle of their careers for nearly five decades, a record-breaking feat of sustained stardom.
The announcement of the award was met with widespread jubilation and tributes from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to congratulate the superstar, taking to his official X account to laud the actor’s achievements. The Prime Minister expressed his admiration, stating that Mohanlal’s “cinematic and theatrical brilliance across different mediums is truly inspiring.” He added that the award is a fitting “recognition for his remarkable journey” and that the veteran actor “epitomises excellence and versatility.” The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is not just an honor for Mohanlal; it is a celebration of an era of Indian cinema defined by his powerful and mesmerizing presence.
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