Mohanlal receives Dadasaheb Phalke honour at 71st National Film Awards in Delhi : Bollywood News

Legendary Malayalam actor Mohanlal was conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, at the 71st National Film Awards held in Delhi on Tuesday. The 65-year-old, one of the most celebrated figures in Indian film history, marked the occasion with a deeply emotional and powerful acceptance speech that paid tribute to the legacy of Malayalam cinema and its audience.

Mohanlal receives Dadasaheb Phalke honour at 71st National Film Awards in Delhi

Mohanlal expressed that being the youngest and only the second representative from the Malayalam film industry to receive this honour was both humbling and overwhelming. He called the award a collective tribute, not just to him but to the entire Malayalam film fraternity. “This moment is not mine alone. It belongs to the entire Malayalam cinema fraternity,” he said, adding that he saw the recognition as “destiny’s generous hand” allowing him to carry forward the voice of Malayalam cinema on a national stage.

The actor, who has delivered timeless performances across a career spanning nearly five decades, described the award as something beyond even his “wildest dream,” calling it “magical, sacred, and a responsibility.” He also dedicated the honour to his predecessors, the legendary artistes of Malayalam cinema, and to the discerning audience of Kerala.

Known for his versatility across genres and languages, Mohanlal emphasised how Malayalam audiences have nurtured cinema with love and insight, constantly inspiring artistes like him to push their boundaries. “I accept this award as the blessings of my fore-runners, the legendary masters of Malayalam cinema – past and present,” he said.

Mohanlal also reiterated his lifelong commitment to the art form, noting that this honour has strengthened his resolve to serve cinema with even greater passion and sincerity. “Cinema is the heartbeat of my soul,” he said, while concluding with a patriotic “Jai Hind.”

The actor extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for the honour, marking a historic moment for Malayalam cinema at the national stage.

With this recognition, Mohanlal joins the select list of Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipients whose contributions have shaped the identity of Indian cinema. His achievement not only celebrates his individual journey but also underlines the richness, resilience, and global appeal of Malayalam cinema.

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