The announcement of Mohanlal as the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest honor in cinema, has been met with widespread celebration and congratulatory messages from across the Indian film fraternity and beyond. Among the first to express their joy and pride were Mohanlal's colleagues and friends, Mammootty and Prithviraj Sukumaran, who hailed the award as "well deserved". The 71st National Film Awards ceremony on September 23rd will formally present Mohanlal with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Mammootty, a veteran actor and long-time friend of Mohanlal, shared his heartfelt message on X, stating, "More than a colleague, a brother, and an artist who has embarked on this wonderful cinematic journey for decades. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is not merely for an actor, but for a genuine artist who has immersed himself in cinema. I am so thrilled and proud of you, Lal. You truly merit this honor". He further added, "You truly deserve this crown". Mammootty's words underscored the deep respect and admiration he holds for Mohanlal, not just as a fellow actor but as a dedicated artist.
Prithviraj Sukumaran, actor and director who recently collaborated with Mohanlal in "L2: Empuraan," conveyed his congratulations via Instagram, writing, "Congratulations Cheta on receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award! A truly well-deserved accolade for a timeless legend!". His message highlighted Mohanlal's enduring legacy and his status as a legend in Indian cinema.
Mohanlal himself expressed his gratitude and humility upon receiving the news. "Truly humbled to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. This honour is not mine alone, it belongs to every person who has walked alongside me on this journey". He extended his appreciation to his family, audience, colleagues, friends, and well-wishers, acknowledging their love, faith, and encouragement as his greatest strength. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his kind words and blessings, stating that they filled him with encouragement and joy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged Mohanlal's cinematic journey, followed by reactions from political leaders and ministers. Modi hailed Mohanlal as an epitome of excellence and versatility, a leading light of Malayalam cinema and theatre, deeply passionate about the culture of Kerala, and one who has delivered remarkable performances in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi films.
Several other prominent figures from the film industry and political arena have also congratulated Mohanlal on this achievement. Akshay Kumar acknowledged Mohanlal's extraordinary talent, stating that meeting him and witnessing his performances felt like attending the finest acting school. Manju Warrier, who debuted alongside Mohanlal in "Kanmadam," expressed her gratitude to Mohanlal for being an inspiration to generations. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also extended his congratulations, recognizing Mohanlal's extraordinary contributions to Indian cinema and the pride he brought to every Malayali. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his pride in representing Mohanlal's city as an MP.
Mohanlal's career spans decades, beginning with his debut in the 1980 film "Manjil Virinja Pookkal". He gained widespread recognition in the mid-80s with numerous hit films and is known for his roles in classics such as 'T.P. Balagopalan M.A.', 'Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam', 'Chithram', 'Kireedam', 'Kilukkam', 'Bharatham', and 'Devaasuram'. He has also acted in several non-Malayalam films, including 'Iruvar', 'Company' and 'Janatha Garage'. His contributions to Indian cinema have been recognized with numerous accolades, including National Film Awards, Kerala State Film Awards, and Filmfare Awards South.
