In a landmark announcement, veteran actor Mohanlal will be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023, India’s highest recognition in cinema. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting made the announcement on Saturday. The award will be presented during the 71st National Film Awards ceremony on September 23, 2025, celebrating his exceptional contributions to Indian cinema over more than forty years.

National awards reflecting Mohanlal’s exceptional talent

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Dadasaheb Phalke Award for veteran actor Mohanlal

Mohanlal’s career reflects a string of extraordinary achievements. He has won several National Film Awards, including Best Actor for Bharatham (1991) and Vanaprastham (1999).

His versatility earned him a Special Jury Award for films like Janatha Garage, Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol and Pulimurugan (2016), and a Special Mention for Kireedam (1989). He also produced Vanaprastham, which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 1999.

Kerala State Film Awards showcase regional dominance

In Malayalam cinema, Mohanlal has secured numerous Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actor for performances in T. P. Balagopalan M.A. (1986), Abhimanyu, Kilukkam, Ulladakkam (1991), Spadikam, Kaalapani (1995), Vanaprastham (1999), Thanmathra (2005) and Paradesi (2007).

His talent extends beyond regional cinema, winning the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 2003 Hindi crime drama Company.

Civilian honours and military recognition

Mohanlal’s achievements are not confined to films alone. He wasawarded the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2019 by the Government of India. He also holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army.

He received an Honorary Doctorate (D.Litt) in 2010 from Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, and in 2018, he was awarded another Honorary Doctorate (D.Litt) by the University of Calicut. Highlighting his versatility beyond acting, Mohanlal was also conferred with an Honorary Black Belt in Taekwondo by the World Taekwondo Headquarters in South Korea in 2013.

From debut to legendary status

Fondly called “Lalettan” and acclaimed as “The Complete Actor,” Mohanlal debuted in 1978 with the film Thiranottam. Since then, he has appeared in over 360 films across multiple languages, mostly in Malayalam.

His career includes iconic works such as Devaasuram, Kireedam, Thoovanathumbikal, and Spadikam, blending commercial success with critical acclaim.

Mohanlal’s career, marked by adaptability, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, continues to inspire generations of actors and cinephiles alike.