New Delhi: Cinema icon Mohanlal was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Indian cinema’s highest recognition, at the 71st National Film Awards. With this, he became only the second Malayali ever to receive the coveted honour, after acclaimed filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan.
The legendary actor received a standing ovation from the packed auditorium of dignitaries, filmmakers, and fellow artistes as he walked up to accept the award, marking a proud moment for Malayalam cinema.
With a career spanning over four decades and 400 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada, Mohanlal is celebrated as one of India’s most versatile actors, effortlessly mastering roles ranging from intense drama to light-hearted comedy.
Instituted in 1969, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the nation’s top honour for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.
In his acceptance speech, Mohanlal dedicated the award to his fans, colleagues, and the Malayalam film industry, calling it a recognition of Malayalam cinema’s enduring global legacy.
