Mohanlal: this moment belongs to Malayalam cinema

Veteran actor Mohanlal on Tuesday said it was “magical and sacred” to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the country’s highest honour in cinema, which he dedicated to Malayalam cinema and its discerning audiences.

The actor said he never “dared to dream” that one day he will receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. “Not even in my wildest dreams. So this is not a dream come true, this is far greater. It is magical and sacred. It roots me more deeply in gratitude and responsibility,” he said in his acceptance speech.

The actor said he was humbled to be the youngest recipient of the award and only the second ever from Kerala after filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, who was honoured in 2004.

“This moment is not mine alone, it belongs to the Malayalam cinema fraternity. I see this award as a collective tribute to our industry, creativity, and resilience,” the 65-year-old actor said.

“When I first received the news, I was overwhelmed not merely by the honour but by the privilege of being chosen to carry forward the voice of cinematic tradition. I believe this is destiny’s hand allowing me to accept this award on behalf of all those who have shaped Malayalam cinema with their vision and artistry,” he added.

Mohanlal dedicated the award to the legendary masters of Malayalam cinema, past and present, as well as to the “discerning and diligent audience of Kerala”.

Quoting the words of Kumaran Asan, the renowned Malayalam poet, social reformer, and a philosopher, the actor said, “This flower did not merely fall into the dust, it left a life of beauty. Let this moment be a tribute to all those that bloomed with brilliance and faded with grace leaving behind a fragrance that continues to inspire.”