Malayalam actor Mohanlal to be conferred Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on Saturday announced that actor Mohanlal will be conferred the country’s highest cinema honour, the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023. The award will be presented at the 71^st National Film Awards ceremony on September 23.

Congratulating the actor via a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Shri Mohanlal ji epitomises excellence and versatility. With a rich body of work spanning decades, he stands as a leading light of Malayalam cinema, theatre and is deeply passionate about the culture of Kerala. He has also delivered remarkable performances in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi films. His cinematic and theatrical brilliance across mediums is truly inspiring…may his accomplishments continue to inspire generations to come.”

I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said: “Congratulations to Lalettan @Mohanlal ji. From the adipoli, beautiful land of Kerala to audiences worldwide, his work has celebrated our culture and magnified our aspirations. His legacy will keep inspiring Bharat’s creative spirit.”

Through another post, the Ministry said: “On the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee, the Government of India is pleased to announce that Shri Mohanlal will be conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023. Mohanlal’s remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations!”

“The legendary actor, director, and producer is being honoured for his iconic contribution to Indian Cinema. His unmatched talent, versatility, and relentless hard work have set a golden standard in Indian film history. The award will be presented at the 71^st National Film Awards ceremony on Sept. 23, 2025,” it said.

“Outside cinema, he was commissioned as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army in 2009… Today, Mohanlal remains one of India’s most respected cultural icons, admired for his versatility, humility and enduring contribution to world cinema,” the Ministry added.

The Malayalam superstar turned 65 this year. During his career spanning more than four decades, he has worked in about 400 films and bagged five National Awards and several Kerala State honours. He was conferred the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2019 by the Union government.