KOCHI: The iconic line “Nee Po Mone Dinesha” from the film Narasimham continues to resonate throughout Kerala, a testament to Mohanlal’s enduring legacy in Indian cinema. On Saturday, the revered actor received the 2023 Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his “iconic contribution to Indian cinema.”
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced this honor following the recommendation from the award’s selection committee. The ministry highlighted Mohanlal’s “remarkable cinematic journey,” emphasizing that his “unmatched talent, versatility, and relentless hard work have set a golden standard in Indian film history.” The award ceremony is scheduled for September 23 during the 71st National Film Awards.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Mohanlal, describing him as an embodiment of versatility. “With a rich body of work spanning decades, he stands as a leading light of Malayalam cinema and is deeply passionate about the culture of Kerala,” the Prime Minister stated on X, formerly Twitter.
In a response shared on social media, Mohanlal expressed his gratitude, stating that the award belongs to everyone who has supported him: “Truly humbled to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.”
Born on May 21, 1960, in Pathanamthitta to bureaucrat Viswanathan Nair, Mohanlal began his acting career with Thiranottam in 1978, transitioning to screen villainy with Manjil Virinja Pookkal in 1980. By 1986, he rose to prominence as Malayalam cinema’s first modern superstar through Rajavinte Makan. With over 400 films to his credit over a career spanning more than 45 years, he remains a defining figure in the Malayalam film industry.
