Mohanlal Honored with Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023, India’s Highest Cinema Honor

NEW DELHI — In a momentous announcement, legendary Malayalam actor Mohanlal has been selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023. This award is the highest honor in Indian cinema for a lifetime contribution to the industry. Mohanlal is the second Malayali to receive the award after the acclaimed filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan.

The award will be formally presented to the superstar on Tuesday during the National Film Awards ceremony. A statement from the central government praised Mohanlal, an actor, director, and producer, for his “unique talent, hard work, and excellence that have earned him a golden place in the history of Indian cinema.” The statement also noted that his cinematic journey has inspired generations.

On the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee, the Government of India is pleased to announce that Shri. Mohanlal will be conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023.

Mohanlal’s remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations! 🌟

The… pic.twitter.com/n1L9t5WQuP

— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 20, 2025

Mohanlal Viswanathan was born on May 21, 1960, in Elanthoor, Pathanamthitta district, to Viswanathan Nair and Santhakumari. Throughout his illustrious career, he has won five National Film Awards, including two for Best Actor. He was also honored with the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2001, and the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award, in 2019.

His contributions extend beyond cinema. In 2009, he was granted the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army. Mohanlal has also been awarded an honorary doctorate by the Kalady Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit for his significant contributions to the film world and Sanskrit theatre.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award was instituted in 1969 by the central government in memory of Dadasaheb Phalke, who directed India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra. Last year’s recipient was Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty.