The phone rang for Malayalam cinema legend Mohanlal. It was a call that would forever change his legacy. India’s highest film honor, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, was his.
But the seasoned actor didn’t immediately jump for joy. Instead, he felt a wave of disbelief. “It was like a dream,” he later told reporters. He recalled the moment Prime Minister Modi shared the news. Mohanlal even asked them to repeat it. He simply couldn’t believe it was true.
Mohanlal quickly shared his gratitude. He thanked his dedicated fans. He also extended his thanks to all his colleagues. The entire Malayalam film industry received a special mention.
An Award for Everyone
Mohanlal made it clear this award isn’t just for him. He firmly believes it belongs to all of Malayalam cinema. “I work for God,” he stated. “So this award feels like a gift from God himself.” He spoke about the importance of honest work. He shares his happiness with everyone. This includes those who are no longer with us.
A Legacy of Work
Mohanlal’s career stretches over four decades. He has starred in a vast array of films. His talent knows no bounds. He has worked in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi cinema too. His previous honors include the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. These are two of India’s top civilian awards.
The formal ceremony will take place later this year. Mohanlal will officially receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. This will happen on September 23, 2025, during the 71st National Film Awards.
Dreams for the Future
What does the future hold for such a celebrated actor? Mohanlal says cinema has no limits. He might even try directing films. He plans to keep exploring new creative avenues. “I am a person who dreams very little,” he revealed. However, he always hopes for one thing. He wants to see good films made. He wishes for talented writers and excellent directors to emerge.