Veteran superstar Mohanlal was named the recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honour in cinema, on Saturday. Malayalam superstar Mammootty congratulated his longtime friend and colleague Mohanlal on winning the award. He calls him “truly deserves the crown.”
What did Mammootty say
On his X handle, Mammootty gave a glimpse of the bond the two iconic actors share. Calling him more than his “colleague and a brother”. He wrote, “More than a colleague, a brother, and an artist who has embarked on this wonderful cinematic journey for decades. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is not just for an actor, but for a true artist who has lived and breathed cinema. So happy and proud of you, Lal. You truly deserve this crown.”
After receiving the award Mohanala on his social media handle wrote, “Truly humbled to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. This honour is not mine alone, it belongs to every person who has walked alongside me on this journey. To my family, audience, colleagues, friends, and well wishers, your love, faith, and encouragement have been my greatest strength and have shaped who I am today. I carry this recognition with deep gratitude and a full heart. ”
Akshay Kumar’s congratulations
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar lauded Mohanlal, recalling how watching him perform has always felt like being in “the front row of the greatest acting school ever.” He called the award “so richly deserved.” He wrote, “Heartiest congratulations, @Mohanlal sir, on being honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Every time I’ve had the chance to meet you or observe your work, it’s been like sitting in the front row of the greatest acting school ever. This recognition is so richly deserved. Respect and love.”Cinematographer and filmmaker Priyadarshan, one of Mohanlal’s oldest collaborators and close friends, also took to X to express his happiness. “Heartfelt congratulations to my dearest friend Lal on being honoured with the #DadasahebPhalkeAward,” he wrote. “No one deserves this recognition more. Proud to see the nation celebrate your extraordinary talent. Grateful to the Jury for recognising and honouring a most deserving legend.”