Mohanlal
A Star’s Saga: Mohanlal’s Journey to India’s Top Honour
New Delhi: The spotlight burns brighter than ever on Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair, the Malayalam cinema legend whose name is synonymous with versatility, passion, and an unparalleled connection with audiences. As the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting announced today, the iconic actor, producer, and director will be conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023 at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony on September 23, 2025. This accolade, India’s highest cinematic honour, celebrates Mohanlal’s monumental contributions to Indian cinema, a journey that has woven him into the nation’s cultural fabric and beyond.
From his humble beginnings in Elanthoor, Kerala, Mohanlal, born on May 21, 1960, has carved a legacy that transcends regional boundaries. His cinematic journey began at 18 with a fleeting role in the unreleased Thiranottam (1978), but it was his chilling debut as the antagonist in Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980) that set the stage for a career spanning over 400 films. The boy who once studied commerce at Mahatma Gandhi College in Thiruvananthapuram became a cultural colossus, earning the moniker “The Complete Actor” for his ability to slip effortlessly into roles as diverse as a ruthless don in Rajavinte Makan (1986), a heartbroken everyman in Bharatham (1991), or a Kathakali artist in the Cannes-screened Vanaprastham (1999). His performances, whether in the blockbuster Drishyam (2013) or the Tamil gem Iruvar (1997), resonate with an authenticity that has captivated audiences across languages.
This year, Mohanlal’s star power has shone anew. His March release, L2: Empuraan, the sequel to the record-breaking Lucifer (2019), stormed past ₹100 crore globally within two days, earning praise for his magnetic blend of swagger and emotional depth. April’s Thudarum, a poignant reunion with Shobana, became the third-highest-grossing Malayalam film ever, nearing ₹118 crore in Kerala alone. With Hridayapoorvam already out and Vrushabha slated for October 16, 2025, Mohanlal shows no signs of slowing down. Off-screen, his ViswaSanthi Foundation continues to touch lives, from funding children’s heart surgeries to aiding COVID-19 relief efforts with innovations like a donated robot in 2020.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, instituted in 1969 to honour the legacy of India’s first filmmaker, recognises those who redefine cinema’s horizons. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw lauded Mohanlal, stating, “From Kerala to audiences worldwide, Mohanlal’s work has celebrated our culture and magnified our aspirations. His legacy will keep inspiring Bharat’s creative spirit.” The award, comprising a Swarna Kamal medallion, a shawl, and ₹10 lakh, is a fitting tribute to a man whose five National Film Awards, nine Kerala State Film Awards, and civilian honours like the Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2019) only hint at his impact. In 2009, he made history as the first Indian actor commissioned as an honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, and his global reach was cemented with a UAE Golden Visa in 2021.
Mohanlal’s influence extends beyond the silver screen. A playback singer with over 30 soulful tracks, a theatre performer, and a producer behind classics like Nadodikkattu (1987), he’s a multifaceted force. His X handle, @Mohanlal, with 6.6 million followers, proudly declares him “A Proud and Blessed Indian!”—a sentiment echoed in his humanitarian work and his role as a goodwill ambassador for causes like AIDS awareness and organ donation. Yet, it’s his humility that truly endears him. Reflecting on the Phalke Award, Mohanlal told ANI, “This is a great honour for me, and I dedicate it to the people of India who have loved and supported my work all these years.”
As the 71st National Film Awards approach, with luminaries like Mithun Chakraborty and Shankar Mahadevan on the selection committee, the anticipation is palpable. Mohanlal’s journey—from a small-town dreamer to a global icon—mirrors the aspirations of a nation. His films, a tapestry of India’s joys and struggles, remind us why cinema matters. As he steps up to receive the Phalke Award, it’s not just a moment for Mohanlal but for every fan who’s laughed, cried, and cheered through his unforgettable performances.
– global bihari bureau
