The first Telugu recipient was *B.N. Reddy* in *1974, becoming the first person from South India to win the award. He was followed by **L.V. Prasad* in *1982, celebrated for his contributions as a filmmaker and producer. In **1986, legendary director **B. Nagi Reddy* received the honor.

The award was then bestowed on the iconic actor *Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR)* in *1990, recognizing his timeless impact on Indian cinema. Later, in **2009, music maestro **Dr. K. Viswanath* was honored, followed by veteran actor *K. Balachander* in *2016*, though he was predominantly associated with Tamil cinema but had close Telugu ties.

Along with these Telugu stalwarts, other South Indian legends like *Ravikant Nagaich, K. Balachander, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Shivaji Ganesan, and Rajkumar* have also been recipients.

This proud legacy reflects Telugu cinema’s deep influence on Indian film history.

The post ### Telugu Legends Who Won the Dadasaheb Phalke Award appeared first on India Podcast.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest recognition in cinema, given for lifetime achievement. Mohanlal’s win highlights his remarkable career spanning over four decades, during which he acted in more than 350 films across genres. From action and comedy to intense drama, his versatility has earned him respect across India and abroad.

While accepting the award, Mohanlal thanked directors, writers, co-actors, technicians, and audiences who shaped his journey. He stressed that cinema is never an individual’s success but the outcome of a team effort. By sharing the award with the Malayalam industry, he reinforced the importance of collaboration in creating world-class cinema.

The Malayalam film industry has been at the forefront of powerful storytelling and innovation. In recent years, its films have received global recognition for their content-driven approach. Mohanlal’s gesture acknowledges this collective growth and celebrates the cultural richness of regional cinema.

Fans, colleagues, and industry leaders praised Mohanlal’s humility, noting that his words set an example for younger artists. By dedicating the award, he highlighted the industry’s contribution to Indian cinema and inspired future generations to preserve its legacy.

The post Mohanlal Dedicates Dadasaheb Phalke Award to Malayalam Cinema appeared first on India Podcast.

CM Naidu said, “Mohanlal’s dedication and versatility in cinema set a benchmark for the industry. His performances have captivated audiences across India and abroad.” Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan also extended his congratulations to Mohanlal for this prestigious recognition, emphasizing his role in promoting Indian cinema globally.

Mohanlal’s career spans over four decades, and he has delivered memorable performances in a wide variety of roles. Some of his most iconic films include Drishyam, Spadikam, Vanaprastham, and Pulimurugan. His versatility allows him to seamlessly transition between drama, action, and comedy, earning him critical acclaim and a massive fan following.

Beyond acting, Mohanlal has directed and produced films that have contributed to the growth and innovation of Indian cinema. His work behind the camera has nurtured new talent and encouraged creative storytelling in regional and national cinema.

The Dadasaheb Phalke award honours individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Indian cinema over a lifetime. Mohanlal’s recognition highlights his enduring influence, the respect he commands from peers, and the admiration he has earned from audiences across generations.

Andhra Pradesh leaders’ congratulatory messages underscore the pride the state feels in celebrating Mohanlal’s achievements. They acknowledged his dedication to the craft and his role in elevating Indian cinema on both national and international platforms.

The post Andhra Pradesh leaders congratulate Mohanlal on Dadasaheb appeared first on India Podcast.

Mohanlal acknowledged the support and faith of his family, fans, colleagues, friends, and well-wishers, attributing his success to their unwavering encouragement. He emphasized that the award reflects collective efforts and the shared love for cinema rather than just individual achievement.

Notably, Mohanlal becomes only the second person from the Malayalam film industry to receive this accolade , following director Adoor Gopalakrishnan in 2004 . The recognition celebrates his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema, highlighting his versatility, dedication, and influence as an actor. Fans and industry peers have congratulated him, marking a moment of pride for the entire Malayalam film fraternity.

The post ### Mohanlal Honored with Dadasaheb Phalke Award appeared first on India Podcast.