Kerala Government Celebrates Mohanlal’s Dadasaheb Phalke Award

The Kerala government honoured acclaimed actor Mohanlal during a special ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram following his receipt of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour in Indian cinema. The event, which took place in March 2024, was attended by notable figures including state ministers, filmmakers, and artists, all celebrating Mohanlal’s significant contributions to both Indian and Malayalam cinema.

During the ceremony, the actor’s illustrious career, spanning over four decades and more than 340 films across various languages, was highlighted. Key attendees included ministers V Sivankutty, Saji Cherian, KN Balagopal, and GR Anil, as well as veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Kerala’s first recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Other notable guests comprised actors Ambika, Renjini, and Malavika, along with director Joshiy and CPI state secretary MV Govindan.

Mohanlal was presented with a memento, a scroll, and a painting by artist A. Ramachandran as part of the recognition. The ceremony was marked by remarks from Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala, who referred to Mohanlal as “the pride of every Malayali.” Vijayan praised the actor’s versatility, referencing his acclaimed performance in the film Vanaprastham, which garnered attention at the Cannes Film Festival. He noted Mohanlal’s extraordinary work ethic, highlighting that in 1986 alone, he acted in 34 films, contrasting with the current trend where actors typically engage in only two or three projects per year.

In his acceptance speech, Mohanlal expressed gratitude for the honour, stating, “This is the land where I was born and raised. Its air, its buildings, its memories are part of my soul. Such emotions cannot be acted out.” He acknowledged the significance of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, saying, “I am deeply humbled to be the second from our state to be bestowed with this national recognition.”

Mohanlal emphasized that the award represents more than personal achievement; it is a tribute to the entire Malayalam film industry. “I see this award as a collective tribute to our industry, creativity, legacy, and resilience,” he said. He further remarked, “To be honest, I never dreamt of receiving this honour, not even in my wildest dreams. So this is not a dream come true, but it is far greater; it is magical and sacred.”

Reiterating his commitment to the film industry, he added, “I accept this award as the blessing of the legendary masters of Malayalam cinema, past and present. As an actor, this award deepens my commitment to cinema. I pledge to continue my journey with responsibility.”

With a career marked by numerous accolades, including five National Film Awards—two for Best Actor, one Special Jury Mention, one Special Jury Award, and one for Best Feature Film as a producer—Mohanlal remains a towering figure in the cinematic landscape. His contributions continue to inspire not only his peers but also audiences across the globe, solidifying his legacy in the world of cinema.