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Dada Sahab Phalke award is the biggest honour in the Indian Film Industry named after Late Sh. Dada Sahab Phalke who is known as the ‘Father of Indian Cinema’. The award is given by the government of India annually for the lifetime contribution in Indian Cinema. Dada Sahab Phalke award was introduced in the year 1969 which is the birth centenary year of Dadasaheb Phalke. In 1971, India Post released a postage stamp commemorating the cinematic achievements of Dadasaheb Phalke.
Why in the News?
- The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is in the news for honoring Malayalam superstar Mohanlal with the 2023 edition. The award was announced in September 2025 by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
- The award was presented at the 71st National Film Awards in New Delhi. It recognizes his iconic contributions across more than 400 films. The actor’s unmatched versatility, and five National Awards over four decades made him the best choice for Dadasaheb phalke award.
- The Prime Minister of India praised Mohanlal's excellence and the cultural passion of Kerala, sparking widespread appreciation.
About Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Dada Sahab Phalke award was introduced by the Government of India in 1969. The award was first given to Devika Rani. The purpose is to commemorate Dadasaheb Phalke's contribution to Indian cinema who directed India's first full-length feature film namely Raja Harishchandra in 1913. Honoured with the highest award in the field of cinema, the recipients are recognized for their ‘outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema’. The award comprises a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award Recipient
- The President of India presented the 71st National Film Awards in various categories on 23 September, 2025 and conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2023 on Shri Mohanlal.
Additional Information:
- About Mohanlal: Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair (born 21 May 1960, Kerala) is an Indian actor, producer and playback singer. He is best known for his work in Malayalam cinema. His work includes more than 360 films and is widely referred to as “The Complete Actor,” delivering landmark performances in films such as Kireedam, Bharatham, Vanaprastham, Drishyam and more.
- Mohanlal has won five National Film Awards and multiple Kerala State Film Awards. His 1999 film Vanaprastham was screened at the Cannes Film Festival which earned him international recognition.
- Outside cinema, he was commissioned as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army in 2009. He has also been honoured by the Government of India with the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2019. Presently, Mohanlal remains one of India’s most respected cultural icons, admired for his versatility, humility and enduring contribution to world cinema.
About Dadasaheb Phalke
- Dadasaheb Phalke was born on 30 April 1870 in Trimbak in Maharashtra. He died on 16 February 1944 in Nashik, Maharashtra. He was a film director and is considered the father of Indian cinema. Phalke was credited with making the first indigenous feature film of India. He was a skilled movie technician and experimented with a variety of special effects and trick photography to bring to life the breathtaking mythological themes that formed the core of his huge pieces of work.
- In 1906, DadaSaheb Phalke established Phalke Engraving and Printing Works. It worked on assignments from the lithography press of celebrated painter Ravi Varma. His paintings of the Hindu gods influenced Phalke’s portrayal of various gods and goddesses in the mythological films which he made later on.
Significance
- The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest honor and recognition of the artists in Indian cinema. The award recognizes outstanding contributions towards the film industry.
- This is a lifetime achievement award named after Dadasaheb Phalke, better known as the father of Indian cinema.
- The award recognizes the works of an individual that have impacted the growth and legacy of Indian cinema. The Dadasaheb Phalke award 2025, conferred upon the renowned actor Mohanlal.
- It underscored the recognition of excellence within the Indian cinema industry. It reflects the importance of the award in unifying the cinematic traditions across India.
Way Forward
- The Dadasaheb Phalke Award acknowledges rising talents and other contributions in varied fields, apart from acting and direction. Others include technical expertise, writing, and innovation in film. The emergence of new cinematic forms, such as digital platforms and regional films, would also contribute to keeping the award relevant in these fast-changing times.
- This can be further developed to influence and inspire future generations in adding to the rich cinematic heritage of India through public awareness and engagement via outreach programs, film festivals, and education.
Conclusion
- The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is a point of pivotal excellence in Indian cinema, honoring unshakable artistic contribution applauding their dedication and hard work. The 2025 award reiterates the legacy that Dadasaheb Phalke built by saluting the contribution shaping India's cultural narrative and inspiring storytellers.
- The award remains ever-evolving, recognizing cinematic talents, nurturing the future of Indian films with the very spirit of innovation and passion that Dadasaheb Phalke embodied.
