“This Moment Is Not Mine Alone, It Belongs To...”: Mohanlal’s Heartfelt Dadasaheb Phalke Award Speech
On Monday, September 23, 2025, legendary actor Mohanlal was honoured with Indian cinema’s most prestigious recognition, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, during the National Film Awards ceremony held in New Delhi.
Instituted by the Government of India in memory of the “father of Indian cinema,” Dadasaheb Phalke, the award is considered the ultimate recognition for an artist’s contribution to Indian film.
The event was graced by the President of India, ministers, and eminent dignitaries, including Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting. The presence of leading figures from the film fraternity made the evening an emotional celebration of cinema’s enduring power.
Also Read | Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, & Mohanlal Shine At 71st National Film Awards 2025
As Mohanlal stepped onto the stage to receive the award, the audience rose to give him a standing ovation, welcoming him with thunderous applause before he began his speech.
View this post on Instagram
Accepting the award with folded hands and visible emotion, Mohanlal began his address by greeting the distinguished gathering. He described the honour as “magical” and “sacred,” acknowledging that it was far beyond his wildest dreams. “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, legacy, creativity, and resilience,” he said.
Mohanlal also reflected on his personal journey and the deeper meaning of the recognition. “I accept this award as the blessing of my forerunners, the legendary masters of Malayalam cinema, past and present. I dedicate it to the vibrant Malayalam film industry, and to the discerning, intelligent audience of Kerala, who have nurtured our art with love and insight,” he declared.
Also Read | 2025 Belongs To Mohanlal: Two Films, Rs 500 Crore, One Comeback King
What made the moment even more historic was that Mohanlal became the youngest ever recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and only the second artist from Malayalam cinema to receive it.
In a moving gesture, Mohanlal invoked lines from Kumaran Asan, the revered Malayalam poet and reformer of Kerala, citing his timeless verse from Veenapoovu: “This flower did not merely fall into the dust. It lived a life of beauty.”
View this post on Instagram
He explained that the lines in Mlylm symbolised those artists who bloomed brilliantly and faded gracefully, leaving behind inspiration for generations to come.
The actor expressed deep gratitude to the Government of India, Honourable President, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the award jury. “Cinema is the heartbeat of my soul. This honour strengthens my resolve and deepens my commitment to continue my journey with renewed sincerity, passion, and purpose,” Mohanlal said in closing, before ending with a patriotic “Jai Hind.”
