Celebrating Malayali Legends: Mohanlal, Raja Ravi Varma, and Their Connection to the Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has been awarded the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023, the highest honor in Indian cinema. He’s only the second Malayali to receive this award, following director Adoor Gopalakrishnan in 2004. The announcement came from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Mohanlal will be presented with the award at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony in Delhi on September 23, with the President of India handing over the honor.

Mohanlal’s recognition takes us back to another notable Malayali artist, Raja Ravi Varma, whose influence on Indian cinema is often overlooked. In the late 19th century, Varma ran a printing press in Mumbai where Dadasaheb Phalke worked as a photographer. Phalke contributed models for Varma’s paintings. When financial issues arose, Phalke received a share from the sale of the press, which he used to create Raja Harishchandra, India’s first full-length feature film in 1913.

This connection reveals how a Malayali’s artistic legacy helped launch Indian cinema. As Mohanlal receives this award, we see the journey from Raja Ravi Varma to contemporary Malayalam cinema come full circle.

Mohanlal’s career spans an impressive 48 years and over 400 films in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada. From his debut in Manjil Virinja Pookkal in 1980 to hits like Rajavinte Makan and Drishyam, he has earned a reputation as one of India’s most versatile actors. His earlier accolades include the Padma Shri (2001) and the Padma Bhushan (2019).

In response to the award, Mohanlal expressed gratitude to his audience and colleagues: “I accept this recognition with joy. This is a proud achievement for Malayalam cinema.” His words resonated widely, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan calling it “a matter of pride for the entire state.” Cultural leaders and political figures, including Minister of Culture Saji Cherian and Speaker A.N. Shamseer, also celebrated his influence on generations of fans.

Mohanlal’s journey reflects not only personal achievements but also the story of Malayalam cinema’s growth and its roots in the contributions of pioneers like Raja Ravi Varma. This award serves as a reminder of the valuable influence of Malayalis in shaping Indian cinema today.

For further reading on the importance of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and its history, consider checking authoritative sources like The National Film Archive of India or The Hindu.

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