The Dadasaheb Phalke Award known as India’s highest award in the field of cinema, presented annually at the National Film awards ceremony was held today in New Delhi.
The award which is presented every year to someone for their outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema, and this year the honour is received by the legendary icon of the Indian cinema Shivaji Rao Gaekwad popularly known as ‘ Rajnikanth’, for his incredible contribution in Indian Cinema in his career of 45 years.
Rajnikanth recieved his award from the honourable Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. The vice president tagged Rajnikanth as one of the great sons of this great country and described him as a “great actor from south India not of south India”. He attended the ceremony with his wife Latha, daughter Soundarya and his son-in-law Dhanush, who also received the National Film Award for his work in Asuran.
Rajnikanth’s acting skills are evident in his various entertaining roles throughout his career and being honoured with this prestigious award he expressed his contentment and gratitude to the central government.
He gave a short speech after receiving the award and gladly dedicated his award to his mentor, his guru, ‘K Balachander’ and remembered his brother Sathyanarayana Rao, who is like a father figure to him.
The actor also remembered his friend Raj Bahadur, who was his colleague when Rajnikanth was a bus conductor. He dedicated his award to Raj Bahadur and stated that he was the one who identified this acting talent in him. He thanked him for encouraging him for joining cinema.
The actor also expressed his gratitude to all his producers, directors, co-artists and his beloved fans and Tamil people.