Mohanlal Receives Chief of Army Staff Commendation, Honoured for His Contributions to the Indian Army

Veteran Malayalam actor and Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Mohanlal shared a moment of national pride on social media as he announced receiving the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation Card. Awarded by General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, at the Army Headquarters, the commendation was presented in the presence of seven Army Commanders. Mohanlal expressed his gratitude for the honour, acknowledging his parent unit in the Territorial Army and reaffirming his enduring connection to the armed forces.

“Today, I had the honour of being called by the Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, to the Army Headquarters, where I was awarded the COAS Commendation Card in the presence of seven Army Commanders. Receiving this recognition as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel is a moment of immense pride and gratitude. I remain deeply thankful to General Upendra Dwivedi, the entire Indian Army, and my parent unit of the Territorial Army for this honour and their unwavering support. Jai Hind @adgpi #IndianArmy”

Mohanlal was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army in 2009 — a rare honour for a civilian and a first for a South Indian actor. Over the years, he has not only voiced his support for the armed forces but also actively participated in army-led initiatives, fostering greater public awareness and respect for the Indian military. The COAS Commendation Card marks a formal recognition of these contributions, often granted to individuals who enhance the efficiency or morale of the Army through their actions.

The photo accompanying his post shows Mohanlal receiving the commendation with dignity and grace, dressed in formal attire, surrounded by senior army leadership. It’s a powerful image that blends his cinematic persona with his commitment to national service — a symbol of the rare balance he maintains between two very different spheres. The award also reflects the Indian Army’s openness to recognizing contributions from civilians who go beyond symbolic gestures.

On the work front, Mohanlal remains deeply engaged, currently wrapping up multiple high-profile projects — Vrusshabha, Drishyam 3, Patriot, and Ram.