Veteran filmmaker K Viswanath was given a standing ovation as he received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award from President Pranab Mukherjee at the 64th National Film Awards ceremony here on Wednesday.
“I bow to all great people. It is an auspicious occasion to receive this prestigious award. I offer my ‘pranams’ to my parents and to the almighty who is everywhere,” he said, delivering an acceptance speech after receiving the award.
He also thanked his fans and the members of the jury that named him for the award. Viswanath (87) was accompanied by his wife Jaya Lakshmi to the award ceremony.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu had ordered a break from convention and allow this year’s recipient to address the gathering for the first time in the award’s history.
The President, who also presented the award to Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar and several others, acknowledged Viswanath’s contribution to Indian cinema.
“I congratulate K Viswanath for receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and thank him for his contribution to the film industry, to national unity and integrity, and also for conveying a strong message of peace,” he said.
The Phalke award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, carries a golden lotus, a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, a citation and a shawl.
Addressing the event, Naidu noted that the Indian cinema had remarkably showcased the “vast richness of our cultural diversity, our beautiful landscapes and languages.”
DH News Service
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