Javed Akhtar says Mohanlal's Dadasaheb Phalke Award was well deserved after Amitabh Bachchan praises Malayalam superstar

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal was recently honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, a landmark moment for his home state of Kerala and even Indian cinema. Accolades continue to come his way from across other film industries and the latest dignitary to laud the Malayalam superstar is Javed Akhtar, who termed the award as well-deserved. The remarks were made during the latest episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan.

Javed Akhtar on Mohanlal's Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Renowned Hindi lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar recently graced an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati along with his son actor-filmmaker Farhan. The episode was special as it also featured a clip by Malayalam actor Mohanlal who wished Amitabh Bachchan on his birthday. After the clip was played, Big B also pointed out that Mohanlal was recently bestowed with Dadasaheb Phalke Award. And Javed Akhtar was quick to remark that it was ‘well-deserved’. Javed Akhtar is known for his honest remarks and eloquent comments, and it is heartening for Malayalam cinephiles that he fully agrees with Mohanlal being accorded the highest honor in Indian cinema.

Mohanlal’s face is God gifted: Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan too did not shy away from heaping praise on the actor, with whom he has shared the screen together in the Malayalam film Kandahar . Calling Mohanlal a ‘great actor', Big B said, “Whichever role you give him, his face is God gifted. Every kind of emotion comes just by putting his face. He does not have to do anything, and it comes through correctly."

In the video shown in KBC, Mohanlal had also referred to senior Bachchan as “an endless source of inspiration”. "Every interaction with you reminds me of how much there is to absorb from your journey and your grace,” the Malayalam superstar said, while wishing Big B health and happiness always. Amitabh Bachchan celebrated is his 83rd birthday on October 11, 2025. You can watch all episodes of Kaun Banega Crorepati on SonyLiv via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: Mohanlal rates Amitabh Bachchan as one of the greatest, but in Malayalam he says… 

FAQs

Q. Which movie did Mohanlal play as military officer?

A. Mohanlal played Major Mahadevan in Keerthi Chakra, Kurukshetra, Kandahar and 1971: Beyond Borders.

Q. Which is the latest film of Mohanlal?

A. The latest film of Mohanlal is Hridayapoorvam streaming on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium