Addressing the gathering after receiving the award, an emotional Mohanlal dedicated the award to the entire Malayalam cinema fraternity. “This moment is not mine alone. It belongs to the entire Malayalam cinema fraternity. I see this award as a collective tribute to our industry’s legacy, creativity, and resilience,” he said.
Photo: X/@rashtrapatibhvn
Legendary actor, director and producer Mohanlal has become the youngest from the Malayalam film industry to receive the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award. With this recognition, he is only the second actor from Malayalam industry to be honoured with the national award, following filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, renowned for his classics such as Elippathayam, Mukhamukham, Mathilukal, and Nizhalkuthu.
Addressing the gathering after receiving the award, an emotional Mohanlal dedicated the award to the entire Malayalam cinema fraternity. “This moment is not mine alone. It belongs to the entire Malayalam cinema fraternity. I see this award as a collective tribute to our industry’s legacy, creativity, and resilience,” he said.
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Recalling the moment he received the news for being selected for the award, the actor said, “When I first received the news from the Centre, I was overwhelmed not merely by the honour, but by the privilege of being chosen to carry forward the voice of our cinematic tradition. I believe this is destiny’s gentle hand, allowing me to accept this award on behalf of all those who shaped Malayalam cinema with their vision and artistry.”
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“To be honest, I never dared to dream of this moment, not even in my wildest dreams. And so, this is not a dream come true; it is something far greater. It is magical and sacred. It roots me more deeply in gratitude and responsibility. I accept this award as the blessing of my forerunners, the legendary masters of Malayalam cinema, past and present. I dedicate it to them, to the vibrant Malayalam film industry, and to the discerning, intelligent audience of Kerala, who have nurtured our art with love and insight.”
“As Kumaran Asan, the great poet, reformer, and philosopher, once noted in Veena Poovu: ‘This flower did not merely fall into the dust; it reaped a life of beauty.’ Let this moment be a tribute to all those who bloomed with brilliance and faded with grace, leaving behind a fragrance that continues to inspire. As an actor and film personality, this honour strengthens my resolve. It deepens my commitment to cinema. And I pledge to continue my journey with renewed sincerity, passion, and purpose. Cinema is the heartbeat of my soul,” he said.
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