KOCHI : "Nee Po Mone Dinesha." That thunderous line from Narasimham echoes across Kerala's streets, after Mohanlal first roared it on screen.
On Saturday, the man behind that voice, one of India's most enduring actors, was named winner of the 2023 Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his "iconic contribution to Indian cinema ".
I&B ministry announced the honour based on the recommendation of the award's selection committee. "Mohanlal's remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations," the ministry said. "His unmatched talent, versatility and relentless hard work have set a golden standard in Indian film history."
The award will be presented Sept 23 at the 71st National Film Awards .
PM Narendra Modi congratulated Mohanlal, calling him an epitome of versatility.
"With a rich body of work spanning decades, he stands as a leading light of Malayalam cinema , theatre and is deeply passionate about the culture of Kerala," the Prime Minister wrote on X.
Responding on social media, Mohanlal said the award belonged to everyone who stood with him. "Truly humbled to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award...."
Born May 21, 1960, in Pathanamthitta to bureaucrat Viswanathan Nair, Mohanlal began his career with Thiranottam (1978) before debuting on screen as a villain in Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980).
By 1986, Rajavinte Makan transformed him into Malayalam cinema's first modern superstar. Over 45 years and more than 400 films later, he remains Mollywood's defining figure.
On Saturday, the man behind that voice, one of India's most enduring actors, was named winner of the 2023 Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his "iconic contribution to Indian cinema ".
I&B ministry announced the honour based on the recommendation of the award's selection committee. "Mohanlal's remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations," the ministry said. "His unmatched talent, versatility and relentless hard work have set a golden standard in Indian film history."
The award will be presented Sept 23 at the 71st National Film Awards .
PM Narendra Modi congratulated Mohanlal, calling him an epitome of versatility.
"With a rich body of work spanning decades, he stands as a leading light of Malayalam cinema , theatre and is deeply passionate about the culture of Kerala," the Prime Minister wrote on X.
Responding on social media, Mohanlal said the award belonged to everyone who stood with him. "Truly humbled to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award...."
Shri Mohanlal Ji epitomises excellence and versatility. With a rich body of work spanning decades, he stands as a leading light of Malayalam cinema, theatre and is deeply passionate about the culture of Kerala. He has also delivered remarkable performances in Telugu, Tamil,… https://t.co/4MWI1oFJsJ pic.twitter.com/P0DkKg1FWL
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2025
Born May 21, 1960, in Pathanamthitta to bureaucrat Viswanathan Nair, Mohanlal began his career with Thiranottam (1978) before debuting on screen as a villain in Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980).
By 1986, Rajavinte Makan transformed him into Malayalam cinema's first modern superstar. Over 45 years and more than 400 films later, he remains Mollywood's defining figure.
You may also like
Trump accuses India, China of funding Ukraine war via Russian oil
Ben Stokes to Captain England in 2025-26 Ashes Tour with Harry Brook as Vice-Captain
Mumbai News: BJP Chief Ameet Satam Defends Closure Of Sion And Elphinstone ROBs, Calls Projects Vital For City Development
Shocking moment yob tears down St George's flag outside home of Adam Peaty's mum
Lucknow: Man allegedly killed by woman's family over suspected love affair