By Aveek Banerjee,News18

Copyright news18

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who is set to receive the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023, calling him a “leading light” of Malayalam cinema and theatre.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced that Mohanlal will be conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023 at the 71st National Film Awards on September 23, 2025, for his contribution to Indian cinema.
“Shri Mohanlal Ji epitomises excellence and versatility. With a rich body of work spanning decades, he stands as a leading light of Malayalam cinema, theatre and is deeply passionate about the culture of Kerala. He has also delivered remarkable performances in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films,” said PM Modi on X.

Shri Mohanlal Ji epitomises excellence and versatility. With a rich body of work spanning decades, he stands as a leading light of Malayalam cinema, theatre and is deeply passionate about the culture of Kerala. He has also delivered remarkable performances in Telugu, Tamil,… https://t.co/4MWI1oFJsJ pic.twitter.com/P0DkKg1FWL
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2025

“His cinematic and theatrical brilliance across mediums is truly inspiring. Congratulations to him on being conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. May his accomplishments continue to inspire generations to come.”
Political Leaders Congratulate Mohanlal
Mohanlal, a veteran actor, director and producer, is among the most celebrated artists in India, with a career spanning four decades. He has acted in more than 350 films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi languages, including Spadikam (1995), Drishyam (2013) and Pulimurugan (2016).
He is the recipient of multiple National Film Awards, Kerala State Film Awards and international accolades. Mohanlal has also been conferred with a Padma Shri and a Padma Bhushan.
“A true Malayali icon! This honor is not only for him but for all Malayalees and a recognition of Kerala’s film industry and its creativity over the years,” said Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

A true Malayali icon! This honor is not only for him but for all Malayalees and a recognition of Kerala’s film industry and its creativity over the years. ???
എന്നും മലയാളത്തിൻ്റെ അഭിമാനം – ഈ ബഹുമതി അദ്ദേഹത്തിന് മാത്രമല്ല, എല്ലാ മലയാളികൾക്കും ഉള്ളൊരു അംഗീകാരമാണ്, ഒപ്പം… pic.twitter.com/HIAkZO05W0
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar ?? (@RajeevRC_X) September 20, 2025

“Congratulations dear Lalettan (Mohanlal’s name in Kerala), pride of every Malayali across the spectrum and globe for being conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his iconic contribution to Indian cinema,” said BJP’s AK Antony.