Actor Mohanlal has dedicated the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the country's highest recognition in the world of cinema, to Malayalam cinema industry.

"With deep sense of humility and gratitude, I accept this award. This is an award for Malayalam film industry, its legacy and artistry. It is one of the greatest moments of my life I never thought about it. Thank you very much to the jury and government for selecting me. I am just dedicating this award to the Malayalam industry, everyone who walked with me and shaped me, all artists, directors and my colleagues," the actor told ANI.

On the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee, the Government of India on Saturday announced that Shri. Mohanlal will be conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2023.

The award will be presented to him at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony on Tuesday.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Railways and Electronics & Information Technology, expressed his joy today as he announced the award honoring Mohanlal’s exceptional contributions to Indian cinema.

Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair is an acclaimed Indian actor, producer and playback singer, best known for his work in Malayalam cinema.

Widely referred to as “The Complete Actor,” he has appeared in over 360 films across a career spanning almost five decades, delivering landmark performances in films such as Kireedam, Bharatham, Vanaprastham, Drishyam and more.

Mohanlal has won five National Film Awards and multiple Kerala State Film Awards, along with numerous other honours in India and abroad.

His 1999 film Vanaprastham was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, earning him international recognition.

Outside cinema, he was commissioned as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army in 2009.

He has also been honoured by the Government of India with the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2019.