Mumbai, Sep 23 (NationPress) The iconic figure of Malayalam cinema, Mohanlal, who received the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award, expressed during his acceptance speech that cinema serves as the beating heart of his soul, fueling his artistic passion and creativity.

Beginning his speech by acknowledging the esteemed guests and the audience in the crowded Vigyan Bhawan, located in the national capital, he stated, “It fills me with immense pride and gratitude to stand before you today as I accept the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, an honor established by the Government of India in tribute to the legendary father of Indian cinema. As a representative of the Malayalam film industry, I am incredibly humbled to be the youngest recipient and only the second individual from the streets to receive this national accolade. This moment is not solely mine; it belongs to the entire Malayalam cinema community.”

Mohanlal further articulated that he perceives the award as a collective homage to the Malayalam film industry’s legacy, creativity, and resilience.

He continued, “Upon receiving the news from the Centre, I was not only overwhelmed by the honor but also by the privilege of being designated to carry forward the voice of our cinematic heritage. I believe this is destiny's gentle hand, allowing me to accept this award on behalf of all those who have contributed to Malayalam cinema with their vision and artistry. Honestly, I never dared to dream of this moment, not even in my wildest imagination. Thus, this is not merely a dream fulfilled; it is something far more significant. It’s magical, it’s sacred.”

The Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award, recognized as India’s highest honor in cinema, is awarded to outstanding artists who have significantly shaped the landscape of Indian cinema.

The actor emphasized that the honor deepens his roots in gratitude and responsibility, accepting the award as a blessing from the legendary masters of Malayalam cinema, both past and present.

He added, “I dedicate this award to them, to the vibrant Malayalam film industry, and to the discerning and intelligent audience of Kerala who have cherished our art with love and insight. As the great poet, reformer, and philosopher Kumaran Ashan once wrote in Veenapur, ‘Chidai laayannu poyathu mallu chidam manoharamaya poobithu’. This flower did not merely fall into the dust; it lived a life of beauty. Let this moment honor all those who bloomed with brilliance and faded with grease, leaving behind a fragrance that continues to inspire.”

“As an actor and film personality, this honor fortifies my resolve. It enhances my commitment to cinema, and I vow to continue my journey with renewed sincerity, passion, and purpose. In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India, Honorable Rashtrapati ji, Honorable Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi ji, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the esteemed jury members who deemed me worthy of this accolade. Cinema is the heartbeat of my soul,” he concluded.

The 71st National Film Awards, celebrating excellence in Indian cinema for 2023, were announced on August 1, 2025, by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. The award ceremony took place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented the honors.

The event was organized by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) and incorporated a structured jury system, with regional committees contributing to a central committee chaired by Ashutosh Gowariker for the Feature Film category. The awards aim to celebrate the artistic and technical achievements of Indian cinema without public bias, ensuring a formal presentation.