Kerala is gearing up for a momentous occasion on October 4th, as the state government prepares to celebrate actor Mohanlal, recipient of the esteemed Dadasaheb Phalke Award—India’s highest cinematic honor. The grand event, aptly named ‘Malayalam Vaanolam, Lal Salam,’ will take place at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, starting at 5 p.m.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will lead the felicitation, recognizing Mohanlal’s profound contributions to Indian cinema. The ceremony is expected to draw prominent figures from across the Indian film industry, as confirmed by Kerala Minister for Cultural Affairs, Saji Cherian, during a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram.
Following the formal tribute, an enchanting musical show, ‘Aadam Namukku Paadam,’ directed by T.K. Rajeev Kumar, will captivate the audience. This unique performance will feature beloved songs from Mohanlal’s illustrious film career.
A constellation of celebrated singers, including Sujatha Mohan, Shweta Mohan, Sithara, Arya Dayal, Manjari, Jyotsna, Mridula Warrier, Nithya Mammen, Sayanora, Rajalakshmy, Kalpana Raghavendra, Remy, and Disha Prakash, will lend their voices to the occasion. Adding a personal touch, several of Mohanlal’s esteemed co-actors—Urvashi, Shobhana, Manju Warrier, Parvathy, Karthika, Meena, Nithya Menon, Lissy, Ranjini, Ramya Krishnan, Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, Shweta Menon, and Malavika Mohanan—will share their reflections and memories before each song.
The function will be presided over by Mr. Cherian, with General Education Minister V. Sivankutty and Minister for Food and Civil Supplies G. R. Anil attending as chief guests. Various other ministers, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, MLAs, and public representatives are also expected to grace the event.
During the press conference, Mr. Anil unveiled the event’s official logo, presenting it to Mr. Sivankutty.
Minister Cherian emphasized that this ceremony is a heartfelt expression of the state’s gratitude to Mohanlal, an artist who has been instrumental in shaping Malayalam cinema, both artistically and commercially, over five decades. He highlighted Mohanlal’s remarkable ability to portray countless unforgettable characters, solidifying his position among India’s finest actors.
Given the anticipated large public turnout, comprehensive security measures and safety precautions will be meticulously implemented to ensure a smooth and memorable celebration for all attendees.