New Delhi, September 24: The 71st National Film Awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on Tuesday turned into a grand celebration of Indian cinema, as President Droupadi Murmu conferred honours on some of the country’s finest actors, filmmakers, and creators. The event was marked by moments of pride, applause, and standing ovations, with legendary Malayalam actor Mohanlal receiving the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Presenting the honour, President Murmu praised Mohanlal’s vast body of work, which spans over 360 films, and his remarkable journey from theatre to cinema. She said his portrayals have not only showcased his exceptional talent but also carried India’s cultural ethos across generations. “Cinema in India reflects the essence of democracy and the diversity of Bharat,” she said, adding that films serve as a medium to awaken society and spread awareness.

Accepting the award, Mohanlal described the honour as “magical and sacred,” dedicating it to the masters of Malayalam cinema and the entire film fraternity. “Cinema is the heartbeat of my soul,” he said, expressing gratitude to audiences, colleagues, and mentors.

The ceremony also celebrated other stalwarts of Indian cinema. Shah Rukh Khan was named Best Actor for Jawan, sharing the honour with Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail. Rani Mukerji won Best Actress for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. 12th Fail was declared Best Feature Film, while Flowering Man won *Best Non-Feature Film and God, Vulture and Human was awarded *Best Documentary.

The awards highlighted the importance of supporting roles, with Vijayaraghavan and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar winning Best Supporting Actor, and Urvashi and Janki Bodiwala honoured as Best Supporting Actress. In new frontiers, Hanu-Man was recognised as the Best AVGC Film, showcasing India’s growing strength in animation and visual effects, while Giddh: The Scavenger took home Best Short Film.

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw hailed Mohanlal as a “true legend” and highlighted government initiatives such as Waves 2025 and the newly established International Institute of Cinema and Technology (IICT) at NFDC, Mumbai, aimed at positioning India as a global content hub.

The ceremony also underscored the growing presence of women in cinema and celebrated the contribution of young and child artists, reflecting what the President called “a vibrant expression of India’s cultural richness.”