Actor Mohanlal Dedicates Award to Malayalam Cinema
Actor Mohanlal has been honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 71st National Film Awards held in Delhi. The recognition, India’s highest honour in cinema, marks a historic milestone for the Malayalam film industry, making him only the second actor from the region to receive this award. The 65-year-old superstar, whose career spans nearly five decades, accepted the honour with a heartfelt speech that moved audiences and fellow artists alike.
In his address, Actor Mohanlal expressed his gratitude to the Government of India and dedicated the award to Malayalam cinema, its legendary fore-runners, and the loyal audience that has supported him through the years. He described the moment as not a “dream-come-true,” but “something greater, magical, and sacred,” underlining how deeply cinema has shaped his life and career.
The actor’s emotional words highlighted his humility and commitment to the craft. He emphasized that the recognition belonged not only to him but to the entire Malayalam film fraternity that has nurtured and elevated the industry over the decades.
Actor Mohanlal’s Emotional Speech and Tribute to Legends
During his speech, Actor Mohanlal spoke about the journey of Malayalam cinema and the guidance of legendary artistes who paved the way for future generations. He acknowledged that he never even dared to dream of receiving India’s most prestigious cinema honour. Instead, he considered it a divine blessing, a responsibility, and a reminder to continue his journey with greater sincerity.
He said, “I accept this award as the blessings of my fore-runners, the legendary masters of Malayalam cinema past and present. I dedicate it to them, to the Malayalam film industry, and to the discerning audience of Kerala.” The actor ended his speech with the line, “Cinema is the heartbeat of my soul. Jai Hind,” leaving the auditorium resonating with applause. Also Read: On September 23: Historic Night at 71st National Film Awards 2025
Actor Mohanlal Joins the List of Cinema Icons
By receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Actor Mohanlal has joined the ranks of India’s greatest cinema icons. The award has previously been conferred upon stalwarts such as Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Mithun Chakraborty, Waheeda Rehman, Asha Parekh, Dilip Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, and Satyajit Ray. With this recognition, Mohanlal’s name now stands alongside these luminaries who have shaped Indian cinema’s rich legacy.
His acceptance of the award not only brings pride to Malayalam cinema but also highlights the growing national recognition of the industry’s artistic excellence. Mohanlal’s achievement serves as an inspiration for the new generation of actors and filmmakers to strive for creativity, discipline, and dedication in their craft.
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Conclusion
Actor Mohanlal’s Dadasaheb Phalke Award win is more than just a personal triumph it is a collective celebration for Malayalam cinema and its audience. His humility, dedication, and tribute to the legends before him reflect the true spirit of the industry. For Mohanlal, cinema continues to be more than a profession; it is indeed, as he said, the heartbeat of his soul.
