KOCHI: “Nee Po Mone Dinesha.” That thunderous line from Narasimham echoes across Kerala’s streets, after Mohanlal first roared it on screen. On Saturday, the man behind that voice, one of India’s most enduring actors, was named winner of the 2023 Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his “iconic contribution to Indian cinema”.I&B ministry announced the honour based on the recommendation of the award’s selection committee. “Mohanlal’s remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations,” the ministry said. “His unmatched talent, versatility and relentless hard work have set a golden standard in Indian film history.” The award will be presented Sept 23 at the 71st National Film Awards.PM Narendra Modi congratulated Mohanlal, calling him an epitome of versatility. “With a rich body of work spanning decades, he stands as a leading light of Malayalam cinema, theatre and is deeply passionate about the culture of Kerala,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.Responding on social media, Mohanlal said the award belonged to everyone who stood with him. “Truly humbled to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award….” Born May 21, 1960, in Pathanamthitta to bureaucrat Viswanathan Nair, Mohanlal began his career with Thiranottam (1978) before debuting on screen as a villain in Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980). By 1986, Rajavinte Makan transformed him into Malayalam cinema’s first modern superstar. Over 45 years and more than 400 films later, he remains Mollywood’s defining figure.
