Mohanlal dedicates his Dadasaheb Phalke Award to the Malayalam film industry: "I’m sharing this with everyone"

The actor went on to describe the award as something truly special, comparing it to a moment one could only dream of.

Actor Mohanlal will be honoured with the country’s highest recognition in the field of cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023. In a humble gesture, the actor dedicated the prestigious award to the Malayalam film industry.

Speaking to the media on Sunday in Kochi, the 65-year-old actor said, “I speak with a deep sense of humility and gratitude here. This is a proud moment and I cannot enjoy this alone. I’m sharing this with everyone, the audience, the people I have worked with in the past, the ones I am working with in the present and those I will work with in the future."

Mohanlal further said, “The award is for the entire Indian film industry." He also stated that it was a beautiful moment for him as well as the film fraternity.

Speaking to ANI, Mohanlal also spoke about his 'dream'. “I am not a person who dreams a lot. If you were to ask me what my social commitment is, I would say that it is to attempt to play the roles I am being given in the best possible manner. I will give it my best try. But you cannot do a movie alone; it is the work of many people. I pray that we get to make good movies and that good movies are made in the Malayalam industry. I just want to be a part of that. That is my dream."

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The actor went on to describe the award as something truly special, comparing it to a moment one could only dream of. He said he regards the industry he works in as divine and sees cinema as a kind of magic. Reflecting on his journey, he mentioned feeling privileged to have worked alongside many great actors and fortunate to have played meaningful roles.

Also read: Mohanlal's contribution to Indian cinema and why he deserved Dadasaheb Phalke award

He called the recognition a beautiful and memorable experience, but added that cinema has only one language and that he doesn’t view awards as a pinnacle, since, in his words, “zenith” is just a term and not a reality he associates with achievements.

Mohanlal had a stunning career with more than 400 films over four decades and has also received five National Awards for his fantastic performances. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced on Saturday, September 20, that he will be receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023. Mohanlal will be awarded with the honour on September 23 at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony.