Veteran actor Mohanlal to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023; PM Modi hails him as ‘epitome of excellence and versatility’

NEW DELHI: Veteran actor Mohanlal will be honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2023, the ministry of information & broadcasting announced on Saturday. The award will be presented at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony on September 23, 2025.The government said the decision was made on the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee.Reacting to the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the actor, saying, “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.

Congratulations to him on being conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. May his accomplishments continue to inspire generations to come.”

With a career spanning over four decades, Mohanlal has acted in more than 350 films across Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. Known for his versatility, he has seamlessly transitioned between commercial blockbusters and critically acclaimed performances, earning recognition as one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated figures.

Apart from being a two-time National Film Award winner for Best Actor, Mohanlal has also received the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. His contributions as an actor, director, and producer have left an indelible mark on Indian film history.The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the country’s highest recognition in cinema, awarded annually by the Government of India to honour lifetime contributions to the industry.