The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest honor in cinema. Instituted in 1969, it is named after Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema and creator of Raja Harishchandra (1913), India’s first full-length feature film.

 

Purpose

The award recognizes a person’s lifetime contribution to Indian cinema rather than a specific film or performance.

 

Selection Process

A committee appointed by the Government of India selects the recipient based on their overall impact on Indian cinema.

 

Award Components

Recipients receive:

• Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus)
• Shawl
• Cash prize
• National recognition from the Government of India

Notable Recipients

• Devika Rani (first recipient)
• Satyajit Ray
• Lata Mangeshkar
• Asha Bhosle
• Amitabh Bachchan
• Asha Parekh
• Waheeda Rehman
• Mohanlal

Importance

This award is regarded as the highest individual achievement in Indian cinema. Receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award signifies that a person has made an extraordinary and lasting contribution to the growth and development of Indian films.