The Kerala government felicitated actor Mohanlal, who recently received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest award in the field of cinema, at a grand event held in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. The event, 'Malayalam Vanolam Lalsalam', saw the attendance of many prominent figures from the political and cultural spheres of Kerala. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan honoured Mohanlal on behalf of the government and presented him with a citation written by poet Prabha Varma.
Speaking at the event, Mohanlal said, "Receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award made me think of all those who were honoured before me and of Dadasaheb Phalke’s immense contributions to Indian cinema. I am indebted to him."
Expressing his gratitude to the government for the honour and the audience who stood by him all these years, he added, "This recognition is deeply meaningful because it comes from the people of Kerala, Malayalis, and the government they elected, who have supported me throughout my career. Without the audience, nothing can be achieved. This recognition belongs to them. I also take this moment to remember my friends and family who have been a constant support."
Recounting his close emotional connection with Thiruvananthapuram, the city where he grew up, Mohanlal said, "I stand here with even greater emotional weight than the moment I received the award in New Delhi because this is my hometown, the place where I was born and raised. When I think back to those early days, it still awes me how a few friends and I, knowing nothing about cinema, dreamt of making films."
Reflecting on his four-decade-long journey, which saw many ups and downs, the veteran actor added, "An actor is like clay shaped by directors, writers, and cameramen. I have faced both resounding success and sharp criticism, and I accept them equally. Whenever I doubt my path, the call ‘Laletta’ reminds me to pause and reflect on whether I am on the right track and staying true to cinema. Every art form has evolved with time, and it is through this evolution that I have undertaken this journey."
The event was attended by renowned filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, the first and only other Malayali to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke award; ministers Saji Cherian, V Sivankutty, K N Balagopal, and G R Anil; the city mayor Arya, Rajendran, actors Ambika, Renjini, and Malavika Mohanan; and directors Joshiy and K Madhu.
Sharing a photo taken with Mohanlal from the event, Pinarayi Vijayan wrote on social media,
"Few artists have captured the hearts of Malayalis across the globe the way Mohanlal has. His unforgettable roles have become part of our cultural memory. It was a proud moment to honour the Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner at Thiruvananthapuram today. Wishing him continued brilliance and success in his illustrious career."
Mohanlal reached Thiruvananthapuram after taking a break from the shooting of his upcoming film Drishyam 3, the third installment in the popular Drishyam franchise. Jeethu Joseph is returning to direct the film, which also sees actors Meena, Ansiba Hassan, and Esther Anil reprising their roles from the previous parts.
Mohanlal's next release will be Vrusshabha, a multilingual period fantasy film, slated to hit screens on October 16.
