Renowned filmmaker-actor Kasinadhuni Viswanath, best known for his award-winning movies in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi, has been honoured with the Dada Saheb Phalke award for the year 2016 for his outstanding contribution to the film industry.
He became the 48th recipient of the award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, which consists of a golden lotus, a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs and a shawl.
The award shall be conferred by President Pranab Mukherjee at a function on May 3 at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi.
The recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke award committee to recognise 87-year-old Viswanath was approved by I&B Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday.
The recipient of five National Film Awards, Viswanath is known for his movies — Sankarabharanam, Sagara Sangamam, Swati Mutyam, Saptapadi, Kaamchor, Sanjog and Jaag Utha Insaan among others.
Viswanath, who has made 50 movies since 1965, is known for making films on content-driven stories that have revolved around social themes.
Swati Mutyam, a National Award-winning movie, was India’s official entry to the 59th Academy Awards in the best foreign film category.
His other awards include Padmashri in 1992, five National Awards, 20 Nandi Awards (given by the Andhra Pradesh government) and ten Filmfare Awards including Lifetime Achievement.
(Feature Image Source: Twitter)