Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Published on 03 Dec 2025

• Malayalam Actor Shri. Mohanlal was conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2023.

• It is the country’s highest film honour, introduced in 1969, conferred for “Outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema”.

• The award was introduced by the Government of India to commemorate Dadasaheb Phalke’s contribution to Indian cinema where 1969 was the birth centenary year of Dadasaheb Phalke.

• Dadasaheb Phalke (1870–1944), real name Dhundiraj Govind Phalke. is known as the “Father of Indian Cinema”. 

• He directed India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra (1913), and pioneered the Indian film industry.

• The Award  is decided by a committee constituted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. 

• The committee typically includes eminent film personalities, experts, and government representatives, who select recipients for their lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.

• The award’s inaugural recipient was Devika Rani, aptly titled “the first lady of Indian cinema”.

• The award comprises a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹10 lakh and it is presented by the President of India.

Keywords:

Dadasaheb Phalke Award Mohanlal film Awards Raja Harishchandra Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Devika Rani