Dadasaheb Phalke Award for veteran actor Mohanlal
New Delhi: The Government of India has officially announced that legendary actor, director and producer Mohanlal will be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023, the highest recognition in Indian cinema. The decision comes on the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Saturday announced that veteran actor Mohanlal will be honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony on September 23.
In a post on X, the ministry said the actor, director and producer is being recognised on the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee for his “iconic contribution to Indian cinema.”
“Mohanlal's remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations… His unmatched talent, versatility, and relentless hard work have set a golden standard in Indian film history,” the ministry added.
The 65-year-old superstar has acted in over 350 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada over a career spanning more than four decades. His most acclaimed works include Thanmathra, Drishyam, Vanaprastham, Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol and Pulimurugan.
Born on May 21, 1960, in a traditional family in Pathanamthitta district, Mohanlal’s fascination with acting began during his school days in Thiruvananthapuram, where he earned his first recognition as the best actor in sixth grade.
His interest in performance grew during his college years in the early 1970s, where he connected with a circle of friends equally passionate about theatre and cinema. These friends recognized his potential and helped him take his first step into films through their production venture, Bharath Cine Group.
Mohanlal’s first film, ‘Thiranottam’, in which he played a comic role, marked the start of his cinematic journey. Though the film had only a single theatre screening, it remains a notable milestone in Malayalam cinema history.
His breakthrough came in the 1980s with ‘Manjil Virinja Pookkal’, where he portrayed the villainous Narendran. His subtle yet chilling performance instantly captured the attention of critics and audiences alike.
Mohanlal’s rise to superstardom was gradual, shaped by a combination of small and substantial roles across a wide range of films. Collaborations with skilled directors and writers resulted in numerous hits, allowing him to carve a distinctive place in the hearts of viewers.
Blockbuster and critically acclaimed films such as ‘His Highness Abdullah’, ‘Bharatham’, ‘Midhunam’, ‘Minnaram’, ‘Manichitrathazhu’, ‘Devasuram’, ‘Narasimham’ and ‘Aaraam Thampuran’ cemented his reputation as a leading star in Malayalam cinema.
Internationally, films like ‘Vanaprastham’ (1999) and ‘Guru’ (1997) brought him recognition beyond India, while commercial successes including ‘Drishyam’ (and its sequels), ‘Pulimurugan’, ‘Lucifer’, and ‘L2: Empuraan’ set new benchmarks at the box office.
His most recent release, ‘Thudarum’ directed by Tharun Moorthy, continues to showcase his legacy of powerful performances.
In addition to Malayalam cinema, Mohanlal has also appeared in Tamil and Telugu films. A recipient of multiple national and state awards, he was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2019. Known for his effortless screen presence and unmatched versatility, Mohanlal has bagged two National Film Awards for Best Actor, nine Kerala State Film Awards, and several international honours.
Reflecting his stature beyond cinema, he was also conferred an honorary lieutenant colonel rank in the Territorial Army in 2009.
(With PTI inputs)