Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 20: Veteran actor Mohanlal will be honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2023, the Centre announced on Saturday. The award will be presented on September 23 during the 71st National Film Awards ceremony.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said, “On the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee, the Government of India is pleased to announce that Mohanlal will be conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023. Mohanlal’s remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations! The legendary actor, director, and producer is being honoured for his iconic contribution to Indian cinema. His unmatched talent, versatility, and relentless hard work have set a golden standard in Indian film history.”

With a career spanning over four decades, Mohanlal has acted in more than 400 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi languages. Regarded as the face of Malayalam cinema, he has earlier been recognised with the Padma Shri (2001) and the Padma Bhushan (2019), two of India’s highest civilian honours.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the actor, calling him an epitome of versatility and cultural influence. “Shri Mohanlal Ji epitomises excellence and versatility. With a rich body of work spanning decades, he stands as a leading light of Malayalam cinema and theatre. He has also delivered remarkable performances in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films. Congratulations to him on being conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. May his accomplishments continue to inspire generations to come,” the PM wrote.

Instituted in 1969, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest recognition in cinema, presented annually for lifetime contribution to the growth and development of the film industry. Last year, veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty received the honour for 2022.