Congratulatory messages have been pouring in for Mohanlal after the Ministery of Information and Public Broadcasting announced him as the winner of the 2023 Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest recognition in the field of cinema, earlier today. Mohanlal has become the second man from Kerala to win the award, the first one being filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan. Congratulating Mohanlal on it, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described it as an achievement that the whole country should take pride in, not just the film industry, one that the actor is deserving of. On the other hand, his longtime collaborator, producer Antony Perumbavoor said, "Seeing my dearest Mohanlal Sir honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award fills me with immense joy." The filmmaker termed it "more than an award," as he is someone who has been a big part of the actor's journey over the years, and "a celebration of a lifetime of love and dedication to cinema."
For Kushboo Sundar, the award has been "bestowed upon the Malayalam industry, in fact the entire South Industry." The politician-actor also shared that she is "delighted to see" Mohanlal being presented with the "most coveted" recognition in Indian cinema.
Speaking to Asianet, Mohanlal said that he learnt about the recognition on the sets of his show Bigg Boss Malayalam. He thanked everyone who played a part in his journey as an actor and dedicated the award to Malayalam cinema. When it was suggested to him that the award means he stands aloft at the summit of Indian cinema, Mohanlal offered a humble response, sharing, "I am just one person who journeys through the same path that many legends have taken before. I find it fortunate to be part of it. I consider this something that I have gained thanks to their blessings, well wishes and
In his response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's post, congratulating him on the recognition, Moahnlal said, "I am deeply humbled and profoundly honored to receive The Dadasaheb Phalke Award," adding that the PM's words "fill me with encouragement and joy." He also shared that he remains "ever indebted to the art of cinema and to all those whose inspiration and support illuminate my journey."
