Malayalam superstar Mohanlal to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award at 71st National Award

The 65-year-old actor will be presented the award by Honourable President Droupadi Murmu today (September 23).

Veteran actor Mohanlal arrives at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi to receive the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award today at the 71st National Award ceremony.

The 65-year-old actor will be presented the award by Honourable President Droupadi Murmu today (September 23).

At the 71st National Film Awards ceremony, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju warmly referred to veteran actor Mohanlal as “Lalettan.”

Ceremony of the 71st National Film Awards | @nfdcindia | @PIB_India https://t.co/jMCmHIuMb2

— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 23, 2025

In Malayali households, “Lalettan”—as Mohanlal is lovingly known—has always been more than just a movie star. He is a cultural icon, deeply embedded in the everyday imagination of Kerala and far beyond.

Since his debut 45 years ago in Manjil Virinja Pookkal, where he made a striking impression as a cruel husband, Mohanlal has never looked back.

The 71st National Film Awards (2025) celebrates the diversity of Indian cinema, honouring films and artists across genres and languages. In the acting categories, Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey shared the Best Actor award, while Rani Mukerji won Best Actress.

Also read: Shah Rukh Khan in Delhi to receive his first ever Best Actor National Film Award, watch

Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail won Best Feature Film, while Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery was named Best Hindi Film. In music, Shilpa Rao was honoured as Best Female Playback Singer for Chaleya (Jawan), and the Best Male Playback Singer went to “Premisathunna” from the Telugu film Baby.

The award ceremony is currently underway.