Amitabh Bachchan to be honoured with ’Dadasaheb Phalke Award’
Mangalore Today News Network
Mumbai, Sep 24, 2019: Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan will be honoured with India’s highest award in cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Minister of Information & Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar took to Twitter to make the announcement. He tweeted, "The legend Amitabh Bachchan who entertained and inspired for 2 generations has been selected unanimously for #DadaSahabPhalke award. The entire country and international community is happy. My heartiest Congratulations to him."
Born on October 11, 1942, in Allahabad to renowned Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and social activist Teji Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan made his Bollywood debut with the 1969 film Saat Hindustani. He then went on to star in acclaimed movies like Anand, Zanjeer, Sholay, Agneepath, Deewar, Kabhie Kabhie, Silsila, Black, Sarkar, Paa and Piku among more.
Bachchan was last seen in the Shah Rukh Khan production Badla. Apart from his work in cinema, he is popular for his work on the small screen, primarily for hosting the game show Kaun Banega Crorepati.
Over the years, Amitabh Bachchan has won several awards for his contribution to Hindi cinema and arts. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1984, the Padma Bhushan in 2001 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015. He has also been conferred with France’s highest civilian honour, the Knight of the Legion of Honour in 2007. As far as the National Awards are concerned, he has won in the Best Actor category for his performance in Agneepath, Black, Paa and Piku. Big B has won 15 Filmfare Awards and five IIFA Awards till date.
Bejoy Nambiar, who helmed Big B starrer Wazir, told indianexpress.com, "He is truly deserving. He is a legend. An actor par excellence who even at this age works so hard on his craft and treats every role with an infectious verve and energy."
"He is not only a fantastic actor but has entertained generations and done some very meaningful work off late apart from bringing attention to causes and contributing to various charities. I am biased. He is my childhood hero and I am in films only because of him and Salim-Javed," Pink writer Ritesh Shah said.
Bhoothnaath and Bhoothnaath Returns director Nitesh Tiwari said, This is fantastic news. Mr Bachchan has been ruling our hearts and box office for many decades now. And the award is a true testimony to that. Having the fortune to have worked with him closely on many projects I am feeling elated at a personal level too."
Taapsee Pannu, who shared screen space with Big B in Badla and Pink, told indianexpress.com, "I am not at all surprised. He is truly deserving of all honours possible concerning Indian cinema."
Film personalities also took to Twitter to congratulate Amitabh Bachchan.
Rajinikanth tweeted, "Congratulations dear @SrBachchanji!!! You richly deserve this commendable honour!!!! #DadaSahebPhalkeAward"
Karan Johar posted on Twitter, "The most inspiring legend of Indian Cinema!!!! He is a bonafide rock star!!! I am honoured and proud to be in the Era of AMITABH BACHCHAN! The prestigious #DadaSahebPhalkeAward to @SrBachchan"
Anil Kapoor shared on Twitter, "There is no mention of Indian cinema without this Legend! He has redefined cinema with every role & deserves every accolade for his innumerable contributions! Congratulations
Nagarjuna tweeted, "Dear Amitji, Couldn t be happier to hear news that you will be receiving the prestigeous #DadaSahebPhalkeAward . You have inspired and entertained billions and continue to do so. We love you Sir and are so very proud of you."
"Congratulations to the legend @SrBachchan for the prestigious #DadaSahebPhalkeAward. You have entertained, inspired generations with your exhilarating Performances. Wishing you more success and happiness,"