Kerala to host grand felicitation for Dadasaheb Phalke winner Mohanlal

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 24
Kerala is gearing up to celebrate one of its most cherished cultural icons, superstar Mohanlal, who has been conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Announcing the plans on Wednesday, State Minister for Culture and Films Saji Cherian said the government will organise a grand, star-studded ceremony to honour the actor.

“This is a historic moment for Kerala. To see Mohanlal, who has been a source of pride and inspiration for Malayalis across the world, receive Indian cinema’s highest honour is truly remarkable,” Cherian told IANS.

“We will felicitate him on a big stage. I have personally spoken to him, and he has graciously agreed to make time for it. The government will ensure this becomes a memorable occasion.” Cherian added that the event will not only honour the actor but also showcase Kerala’s rich cultural traditions.

“It will be a star-studded evening, with a spread of cultural programmes. The exact venue and schedule will be finalised soon after consultations,” he said.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, regarded as the pinnacle of recognition in Indian cinema, celebrates a body of work that has made a lasting impact on the industry.

Mohanlal, popularly called “Lal” and affectionately known as “Lalettan”, has captivated audiences for nearly five decades.

His illustrious career includes landmark roles in classics such as 'Bharatham', 'Spadikam', and the 'Drishyam' series, which have left an indelible imprint on Indian cinema.

Over the years, he has won five National Awards, including one as a producer, and countless other honours that highlight his versatility and natural style of performance.

This recognition comes in the 48th year of Mohanlal’s acting journey, reaffirming his legacy as one of India’s most respected and beloved stars.

With the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, he joins an elite league of cinematic legends, while Kerala prepares to honour him with the grandeur befitting a true cultural ambassador.

The only other Keralaite to win this honour was legendary director Adoor Gopalakrishnan, and another highlight is that at 65 years, he is the youngest recipient.