Standing ovation for Actor Mohanlal as he receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award; Malayalees made proud by their Lalettan

NEW DELHI: Actor Mohanlal received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award from President Draupadi Murmu. Mohanlal received the award in front of a large audience at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated Mohanlal on stage with the words, "Congratulations to the Real OG Mohanlal. Thaangal oru uggran actor aanu(You are a great actor).

As a representative of the Malayalam film industry, I am deeply humbled to be the youngest recipient and only the second ever from the state to be bestowed with this national recognition. This moment is not mine alone. It belongs to the entire Malayalam cinema fraternity. I see this award as a collective tribute to our industry, legacy, creativity and resilience.

When I first received the news from the Centre, I was overwhelmed not merely by the honor, but by the privilege of being chosen to carry forward the voice of our cinematic tradition. I believe this is destiny's gentle hand, allowing me to accept this award on behalf of all those who have shaped Malayalam cinema with their vision and artistry. To be honest, I never dared to dream of this moment, not even in my wildest dreams. And so this is not a dream come true, this is something far greater. It's magical, it's sacred”.

The actor said that the honour roots him more deeply in gratitude and responsibility, as he accepted the award as a blessing of his forerunners, the legendary masters of Malayalam cinema, past and present.

“I dedicate it to them, to the vibrant Malayalam film industry, and to the discerning, intelligent audience of Kerala who have nurtured our art with love and insight," Mohanlal added.

Malayalam cinema won five awards this time. Vijayaraghavan won the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance in the film Pookkaalam and Urvashi won the Best Supporting Actress award for her performance in Ullozhukku. MK Ramadas received the Special Mention award for the documentary 'Nekal – Chronicle of the Paddy Man'.