Mohanlal reacts to receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award: 'Humbled and Honoured'

Mohanlal reacts as he is announced for Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Mohanlal has been declared the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023, the most prestigious accolade in Indian cinema, marking a moment of celebration for both Malayalam and Indian cinema in general.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting made the announcement on Saturday, which delighted fans and musicians across.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly responded to the news with a touching tribute, thanking the renowned actor for his decades-long artistic contributions. Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, the Prime Minister wrote:

“Shri Mohanlal Ji epitomises excellence and versatility. With a rich body of work spanning decades, he stands as a leading light of Malayalam cinema and theatre, and is deeply passionate about the culture of Kerala. He has also delivered remarkable performances in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi films. His brilliance across mediums is truly inspiring. Congratulations to him on being conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.”

I am deeply humbled and profoundly honored to receive The Dadasaheb Phalke Award. My heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji for your kind words and blessings, they fill me with encouragement and joy. I remain ever indebted to the art of cinema and to all… https://t.co/yMwNrNHMYm

— Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) September 20, 2025

Clearly moved by the gesture, Mohanlal responded with grace and humility.

“I am deeply humbled and profoundly honoured to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award,” he wrote.

“My heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji for your kind words and blessings. They fill me with encouragement and joy. I remain ever indebted to the art of cinema and to all those whose inspiration and support have illuminated my journey.”

Mohanlal also wrote, "Truly humbled to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. This honour is not mine alone, it belongs to every person who has walked alongside me on this journey. To my family, audience, colleagues, friends, and well wishers, your love, faith, and encouragement have been my greatest strength and have shaped who I am today. I carry this recognition with deep gratitude and a full heart"

Truly humbled to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. This honour is not mine alone, it belongs to every person who has walked alongside me on this journey. To my family, audience, colleagues, friends, and well wishers, your love, faith, and encouragement have been my greatest…

— Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) September 20, 2025

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Over the years, Mohanlal has carved out a space that few actors can even dream of. With over 350 films to his name, his versatility is legendary — seamlessly moving between action, drama, romance and comedy, across multiple languages.

He’s already the recipient of two National Awards for Best Actor, as well as special mentions, and several Kerala State and Filmfare South Awards. But the Dadasaheb Phalke Award is not just another trophy — it is a nod to a lifetime of storytelling, craft, and cultural impact.