Malayalam superstar Mohanlal was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Tuesday. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award, recognizing Mohanlal's unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. The actor received a standing ovation from the attendees as he accepted the prestigious award.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee chose Mohanlal as the recipient, acknowledging his remarkable four-decade-long career in the Indian film industry. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting lauded Mohanlal's cinematic journey as one that "inspires generations". They further praised the legendary actor, director, and producer for his "iconic contribution to Indian Cinema," highlighting his "unmatched talent, versatility, and relentless hard work" as having set a "golden standard in Indian film history".

Mohanlal, at 65, is the youngest ever recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. He expressed his humility at being only the second person from Kerala to receive this national recognition, following filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan in 2004.

In his acceptance speech, Mohanlal dedicated the award to the Malayalam film industry. He stated that the honor belonged to all the artists who have shaped him as an actor. He acknowledged that the award is returning to the Malayalam film industry after 20 years. He sees the award as a collective tribute to the Malayalam film industry, its legacy, creativity, and resilience.

Mohanlal also shared his initial reaction to receiving the news, recounting that he "couldn't believe it at first" when he received the call from the Prime Minister's office. He described cinema as "the beating heart of my soul, which empowers my art and creativity". He further added that receiving the award was "not a dream come true," but "something far greater... magical... sacred".

Accolades poured in from prominent figures, including Mammootty and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mohanlal's wife, Suchitra Mohanlal, was present at the ceremony.

Mohanlal has already been awarded the Padma Shri (2001) and the Padma Bhushan (2019).