Mammootty, Prithviraj Sukumaran lead tributes as Mohanlal wins Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023

Tributes pour in as Mohanlal win Dadasaheb Phalke award

The announcement that Mohanlal would be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023 has sent waves of pride and joy through the Indian film industry — especially among his peers and fans in Malayalam cinema.

Following the announcement, friends, coworkers, and other celebrities started sending sincere tributes honouring the renowned actor and his many years in the film industry.

Among the first to share his love was long-time friend and fellow icon Mammootty, who posted on X:

“More than a colleague, a brother, and an artist who has embarked on this wonderful cinematic journey for decades. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is not just for an actor, but for a true artist who has lived and breathed cinema. So happy and proud of you, Lal. You truly deserve this crown.”

More than a colleague, a brother, and an artist who has embarked on this wonderful cinematic journey for decades. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is not just for an actor, but for a true artist who has lived and breathed cinema. So happy and proud of you, Lal. You truly deserve this… pic.twitter.com/z5e8qVolWL

— Mammootty (@mammukka) September 20, 2025

Prithviraj Sukumaran, one of the stars from the next generation who often credits Mohanlal as a mentor, posted on Instagram Stories, “Congratulations Cheta on the Dadasaheb Phalke award! A truly well deserved recognition for a legend beyond ages! @mohanlal.”

Veteran actor Dileep added to the chorus of praise with his own warm tribute, “Hearty congratulations to dear Lalettan and dear brother for winning the Dadasahib Falke award, the highest honor in Indian cinema. This is a proud moment for the Malayalam cinema family.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dileep (@dileepactor)

The love wasn’t just limited to Kerala. Across the southern film industry, voices chimed in — including actor-politician Kushboo Sundar, who shared her happiness online, “Extremely happy and delighted to see our most amazing, our favourite, our most adorably lovable Shri @mohanlal Sir being conferred with the most coveted #dadasahebphalke honor. It’s an honour bestowed upon the Malayalam industry, in fact the entire South Industry... Heartiest congratulations to you Lalettan.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kushboo Sundar (@khushsundar)

Actor Nivin Pauly also kept it short and sweet, writing on Instagram Stories, “Congratulations dear Laletta. @mohanlal.”

Mohanlal’s honour is more than just a personal milestone — it feels like a collective moment of pride for Malayalam cinema.