Mohanlal to Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Lifetime Contribution to Indian Cinema.

NEW DELHI – In a momentous announcement, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has named veteran actor Mohanlal as the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023, the highest honor in Indian cinema. The prestigious award recognizes his “outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.”

The announcement was made on Saturday, following the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award selection committee. Mohanlal is scheduled to receive the honor at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony, which will be held in New Delhi on September 23.

The news was met with an outpouring of congratulations from across the country, with prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extending their wishes. In a post on X, the Prime Minister lauded the actor, stating, “Shri Mohanlal is an icon of excellence and versatility. His rich film career, spanning decades, has served as a guiding light for Malayalam cinema and theatre.”

With a career spanning over four decades, Mohanlal has acted in more than 350 films in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. His impressive list of accolades includes two National Film Awards for Best Actor, a Padma Shri, and a Padma Bhushan. As an actor, director, and producer, he has left an indelible mark on Indian cinematic history.

A History of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award was established in 1969 to commemorate Dadasaheb Phalke, widely regarded as the “Father of Indian Cinema” for his pioneering work. The award is presented annually by the Directorate of Film Festivals, an organization of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, to honor film personalities for their “outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.” The award consists of a golden lotus, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹10 lakh.

The inaugural recipient was actress Devika Rani, who was honored in 1969. The selection process is a rigorous one, with a committee of eminent personalities from the Indian film industry making the final decision. The award serves as a testament to an individual’s lifetime of work and their enduring impact on the country’s cinematic landscape.

List of Recent Recipients of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award by Year: