In a gesture of profound humility and gratitude, esteemed actor Mohanlal has dedicated his prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award to the entire Malayalam film industry. “This is a moment of immense pride, and I cannot celebrate it alone,” Mohanlal shared. “I am sharing this recognition with everyone – the audience, my colleagues from the past, those I work with now, and those I will collaborate with in the future.”
Speaking to the media in Kochi on Sunday morning (September 21, 2025), the actor described the occasion as truly special and beautiful, not just for him but for the whole film fraternity. He emphasized, “This award truly belongs to the entire Indian film industry.”
“I am not a person who dwells on grand dreams,” Mohanlal confessed. “If you ask about my social commitment, it’s simply to strive and embody the roles given to me in the best possible way. I give my absolute best. However, filmmaking is never a solo endeavor; it’s the collective effort of many. I pray that we continue to create wonderful films, and that the Malayalam industry flourishes with exceptional cinema. My sole aspiration is to remain a part of that journey.”
Describing the award as “special” and a realization of his “wildest dreams,” the actor expressed that the industry he serves is akin to a divine presence for him, and cinema itself is pure magic.
“Cinema is a fascinating, cyclical magic. Its outcomes are unpredictable. When two films succeed, it uplifts you; when they falter, the opposite occurs. To navigate such an industry for 48 years feels like performing in a continuous circus. And throughout this journey, I’ve been incredibly privileged to have countless supportive individuals by my side,” he reflected.
He further elaborated on the “beautiful and special moment,” acknowledging his good fortune in collaborating with numerous master actors and portraying compelling characters. “Cinema speaks one universal language. I am merely a part of this industry; there’s no ultimate peak. ‘Zenith’ is just a word. Therefore, I don’t believe this award signifies reaching the pinnacle of anything,” he added thoughtfully.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting officially announced on Saturday (September 20, 2025) that Mohanlal would receive the nation’s highest cinematic honor, the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023. This news was met with widespread jubilation across the Kerala film industry.
The award ceremony is scheduled for September 23 at the 71st National Film Awards. Over his career spanning more than four decades, the actor has starred in over 400 films and has been honored with five National Awards.