Mohanlal Honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Mammootty and Akshay Kumar Congratulate Him

Veteran Malayalam actor Mohanlal has been honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest recognition in cinema. The announcement was made on Saturday, 20 September 2025, making Mohanlal one of the very few actors from the Malayalam film industry to receive this prestigious lifetime achievement award.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is presented annually by the Government of India for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. Mohanlal, who has worked in over 350 films across four decades, is widely regarded as one of the finest actors in Indian film history.

Mammootty Congratulates His ‘Brother’

Following the announcement, Mohanlal’s long-time friend and fellow Malayalam superstar Mammootty took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate him. Sharing an emotional note, Mammootty wrote:

“More than a colleague, a brother, and an artist who has embarked on this wonderful cinematic journey for decades. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is not just for an actor, but for a true artist who has lived and breathed cinema. So happy and proud of you, Lal. You truly deserve this crown.”

The message highlighted the strong bond the two legendary actors share, both having dominated Malayalam cinema for over 40 years.

Mohanlal Responds with Gratitude

Mohanlal responded to the honour with heartfelt gratitude, thanking his family, audience, and colleagues. He wrote on social media:

“Truly humbled to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. This honour is not mine alone, it belongs to every person who has walked alongside me on this journey. To my family, audience, colleagues, friends, and well-wishers — your love, faith, and encouragement have been my greatest strength and have shaped who I am today. I carry this recognition with deep gratitude and a full heart.”

Akshay Kumar, Priyadarshan, and Others React

Across the Indian film industry, several celebrities and filmmakers praised the choice and sent their wishes to Mohanlal. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar wrote:

“Heartiest congratulations, @Mohanlal sir, on being honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Every time I’ve had the chance to meet you or observe your work, it’s been like sitting in the front row of the greatest acting school ever. This recognition is so richly deserved. Respect and love.”

Renowned filmmaker and cinematographer Priyadarshan, who has collaborated with Mohanlal on numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, also reacted to the news:

“Heartfelt congratulations to my dearest friend Lal on being honoured with the #DadasahebPhalkeAward. No one deserves this recognition more. Proud to see the nation celebrate your extraordinary talent. Grateful to the Jury for recognising and honouring a most deserving legend.”

A Landmark Moment for Malayalam Cinema

Mohanlal now joins the elite list of Indian cinema legends like Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Adoor Gopalakrishnan who have received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for their lifetime contribution to films.

His recognition is not just a personal achievement, but also a proud moment for Malayalam cinema as a whole, acknowledging the depth and richness of storytelling from the region.