What is Dadasaheb Phalke Award

What is Dadasaheb Phalke Award

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest honor in Indian cinema, presented annually by the Government of India. It is named after Dadasaheb Phalke, who is regarded as the Father of Indian Cinema for directing India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913 . This prestigious award highlights the immense talent and contributions of individuals who have enriched Indian cinema and left a lasting legacy for future generations.

Key Points:

  1. Established: The award was instituted in 1969 to commemorate the centenary of Dadasaheb Phalke’s birth.
  2. Purpose:
    • To recognize and honor outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
    • It celebrates lifetime achievement in Indian cinema across all languages and disciplines, including acting, directing, producing, and other cinematic crafts.
  3. Eligibility:
    • Individuals with a significant and lasting impact on Indian cinema are considered.
    • The award is open to contributors from all regions and languages of India.
  4. Recognition:
    • The award includes:
      • A Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medal.
      • A cash prize (the amount has varied over time, currently ₹10,00,000).
      • A shawl.
  5. First Recipient:
    • The inaugural award was presented to Devika Rani, an iconic actress and filmmaker, in 1969.
  6. Notable Recipients:
    • Some prominent recipients include Raj Kapoor, Lata Mangeshkar, Satyajit Ray, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, and Asha Bhosle.
  7. Presented By:
    • The award is given during the National Film Awards Ceremony, organized by the Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

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