New Delhi, 20 September 2025 — Veteran actor, producer and director Mohanlal has been selected as the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023, India’s highest film honour, recognising his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.
The announcement was made by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting today, following the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee. The award will be formally conferred on Mohanlal at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony, scheduled for 23 September 2025 in New Delhi.
In his response, Mohanlal described the honour as deeply humbling, expressing gratitude to the many colleagues, mentors and fans who have been part of his journey.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his congratulations, calling Mohanlal “an epitome of excellence and versatility” and praising his remarkable body of work that stretches across decades and multiple Indian film industries.
This honour places Mohanlal among a select group of legendary artists. He becomes only the second Malayali to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, after acclaimed filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan.
