At the 71st National Film Awards legendary Malayalam actor Mohanlal fondly known as Lalettan was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award India’s highest recognition in cinema. The award for the year 2023 was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhavan New Delhi. Standing in front of a cheering audience Mohanlal received a warm standing ovation as he was acknowledged for his decades‑long contribution to Indian cinema. The iconic moment for Indian Cinema Before Mohanlal stepped on stage to receive the prestigious honour a special short film was played at the event highlighting his iconic work across Malayalam Tamil Telugu Kannada and Hindi cinema showcasing his remarkable range and versatility as a multi-talented actor. In his acceptance speech Mohanlal spoke from the heart. He thanked the government the jury his family mentors and everyone who has walked alongside him over nearly five decades. While acknowledging his place among legends he emphasized that this honour wasn’t merely for him alone but for the whole Malayalam film fraternity including the past stalwarts technicians writers directors and especially the discerning audiences who nurtured his artistry. Lalettan is receiving the biggest and most prestigious honour — the #DadasahebPhalkeAward — for his outstanding contributions to Malayalam and Indian cinema. ♥️ In his thanksgiving speech he dedicated the award to the vibrant Malayalam film industry and the intelligent… pic.twitter.com/amVsDV9Azu — AB George (@AbGeorge_) September 23 2025 He said This moment is not mine alone this belongs to the whole Malayalam industry. I never dreamed of this day coming true and I accept this award on behalf of the forerunners of our industry and our fans. Lalettan ended his powerful speech by giving a special tribute to cinema. Cinema is the heartbeat of my soul he said in Malayalam and concluded the speech with Jai Hind. INDIAN CINEMA STANDING FOR THE GOAT MOHANLAL. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/lzaFPfYto0 — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 23 2025 More about Mohanlal Mohanlal becomes only the second person from Kerala to receive this honour (the first being renowned film-maker Adoor Gopalakrishnan). Also at age 65 he is among the youngest ever to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. His win is particularly meaningful because it acknowledges the cumulative impact of a career that spans over 400 films across multiple languages a chart of critical acclaim mass appeal and artistic experimentation. Story Highlights Mohanlal was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 71st National Film Awards held in New Delhi. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu recognising Mohanlal’s 45-year contribution to Indian cinema. A tribute film was played before the award ceremony showcasing his work across Malayalam Tamil Telugu Kannada and Hindi films. In his emotional speech Mohanlal dedicated the award to the Malayalam film industry calling cinema the “heartbeat of his soul.” Mohanlals recognition with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award marks a historic moment for Malayalam cinema and Indian film heritage. With over 400 films to his credit his legacy reflects both range and depth reaching beyond stardom to touch the heart of storytelling itself.