The 50th Dadasaheb Phalke Awards was given to legendary actor Mr. Amitabh Bacchan in a special ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. President of India Ram Nath Kovind presented the award to the actor. The actor was accompanied by wife Jaya Bachchan and son Abhishek Bachchan at the ceremony. Other receiptants of the National Award were also present at the ceremony as the President had invited them for high tea.
“I would like to thank the government of India, Information & Broadcasting ministry and the jury members of the National Film Awards for finding me deserving enough for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. God has been kind, there have been blessings of my parents, the support of the filmmakers, producers, co-actors from the industry, but I’m most indebted to the love and constant encouragement by the Indian audience. That’s the reason I’m standing here. I accept this award with utmost humility and gratitude,” he said in his acceptance speech.
“When the award was announced, I thought if this is a hint to tell me that my time is over and I need to rest at home now. There’s still some work I have to finish and I will be grateful of you all if I get more opportunities in the future.” he added.
It was in September that the Union Minister Prakash Javadekar announced in a tweet that Mr Bachchan will be awarded with the prestigious award. “The legend Amitabh Bachchan who entertained and inspired for 2 generations has been selected unanimously for Dadasahab Phalke Award. The entire country and international community is happy. My heartiest Congratulations to him,” he wrote.
The actor was earlier supposed to receive the honour at the National Film Awards ceremony held last Monday, but the actor was unable to attend the event due to ill health.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest award in cinema and is presented annually at the National Film Awards. The recipient is honoured for their outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. The award comprises a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medal, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹1,000,000.
