New Delhi: The beloved star of Malayalam cinema, Mohanlal, has been honored with Indian cinema’s highest recognition, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. He received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi. The President, describing Mohanlal as the "Complete Actor," said that he effortlessly portrays emotions ranging from tenderness to intensity.

Several dignitaries came forward to praise the Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, began his speech at the event by congratulating Mohanlal in Malayalam, saying, “Ningaloru ugrān actor āṇennu” (“You are a terrific actor”). He also described Mohanlal as a “true legend.”

The award comprises the Golden Lotus and a cash prize of ten lakh rupees. Dressed in traditional Kerala attire—mundu and kurta—Mohanlal attended the ceremony along with his wife Suchitra and close friend Antony Perumbavoor. Several celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, who won Best Actor, and Rani Mukerji, who won Best Actress, extended their congratulations to him.

In an emotional speech after receiving the award, Mohanlal said that cinema is the very rhythm of his soul. He dedicated the award to the great masters of Malayalam cinema and to Malayalam film audiences. When asked by the media about entering politics, he clarified that, for now, cinema remains his path.