‘Real OG’ Mohanlal receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award; quotes Kumaranasan in stirring speech | WATCH

Veteran actor Mohanlal was today honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony held in New Delhi. The accolade celebrates his monumental contribution to Indian cinema over nearly five decades.

During the ceremony, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju affectionately addressed the esteemed actor as ‘#Lalettan,’ a term of endearment widely used by Mohanlal’s fans.

Mohanlal receives the award for his iconic contribution to the field of cinema. 

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw hailed Mohanlal as the "real OG" during the 71st National Film Awards ceremony in New Delhi, earning thunderous applause from the audience.

Mohanlal’s speech at the ceremony

"It is with profound pride and gratitude that I stand before you today, receiving this award. As a representative of the Malayalam film industry, I am deeply humbled to be the youngest recipient and only the second ever from the state to be bestowed with this national recognition. This moment is not mine alone — it belongs to the entire Malayalam cinema fraternity. I see this award as a collective tribute to our industry, its legacy, creativity, and resilience."

"When I first received the news, I was overwhelmed — not merely by the honour, but by the privilege of being chosen to carry forward the voice of our cinematic tradition. I believe this is destiny’s gentle hand allowing me to accept this award on behalf of all those who have shaped Malayalam cinema with vision and artistry. To be honest, I never dared to dream of this moment, not even in my wildest dreams. So, this is not a dream come true — it is something far greater. It is magical. It is sacred. It roots me more deeply in gratitude and responsibility."

"I accept this award as the blessing of my forerunners — the legendary masters of Malayalam cinema, past and present. I dedicate it to them, to the vibrant Malayalam film industry, and to the intelligent audience of Kerala who have nurtured our art with love and insight."

"As Kumaranasan, the great poet, reformer, and philosopher, once wrote in Veenapoovu: ‘Chithayil ninnu poyathum mallu, chitha manohara poovithu’ — 'This flower did not merely fall into the dust. It lived a life of beauty.' Let this moment be a tribute to all those who bloomed with brilliance and faded with grace, leaving behind a fragrance that continues to inspire."

"As an actor and film personality, this honour strengthens my resolve, deepens my commitment, and I pledge to continue my journey with renewed sincerity, passion, and purpose."

He ended by saying, “Ente aatmavinte spandanam aanu Cinema. Cinema is the headtbeat of my soul.”