Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 4 (UNI) Kerala Government will accord a grand felicitation to veteran actor Mohanlal, recipient of the nation’s highest film honour, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, at a special function titled ‘Malayalam Vaanolam, Laal Salaam’ to be held at the Central Stadium here this evening.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will formally felicitate the actor on behalf of the State Government by presenting him with a citation authored by poet Prabha Varma, which will also be rendered in verse by singer Lakshmidas.
Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian said that the felicitation ceremony is expected to draw a huge public turnout, and that entry will be free for all. Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the police to ensure smooth conduct, he added.
The event, which begins at 4.30 pm with a violin recital by Shravan, will be presided over by Education and Labour Minister V. Sivankutty. Ministers K.N. Balagopal and G.R. Anil, Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan, MP Shashi Tharoor, and Mayor Arya Rajendran will be among the dignitaries present.
Renowned filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, director Joshiy, and actresses Ranjini and Ambika will attend as special guests. Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) Chairman K. Madhu will deliver the vote of thanks.
Following the felicitation, a cultural extravaganza titled ‘Raagamohanam’ directed by T.K. Rajeev Kumar will be staged. It will feature a Kathakali performance (Thiranottam) by maestro Kalamandalam Balasubrahmanian Aashan, and a musical tribute by leading playback singers M.G. Sreekumar, Sujatha Mohan, Sithara, Manjari, Mridula Warrier, Rimi Tomy, among others. Mohanlal himself will also sing on stage.
Several leading heroines of Malayalam cinema including Shobhana, Meena, Urvashi, Menaka, Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, Malavika Mohanan, Ranjini, and Ambika will grace the stage to extend their felicitations.
Describing the event as unprecedented, Minister Saji Cherian said this is the first time such a large-scale tribute is being organised in Mohanlal’s presence, showcasing the complete arc of his five-decade-long cinematic journey, which spans over 400 films across multiple languages.
Mohanlal is the first Malayalam actor to win the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, after filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan. His recognition, the Minister said, is a “golden milestone in the history of Malayalam cinema” as the country acknowledges his unmatched contribution to Indian cinema.
