Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan has added another feather in his big cap with him receiving the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award on Sunday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind conferred the award to Big B for his marvellous demonstration of acting in the Indian film industry. The award is comprised of a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, certificate, silk scroll and a shawl.
Award for growth of Indian Cinema
The 77-year old superstar had not turned up at this year’s National Film Awards ceremony citing health issues. On receiving the award, he looked hale and hearty much to the joy of his fans. The government of India confers the award to those who make an exceptional contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema. Amitabh Bachchan’ wife Jaya Bachchan and son Abhishek Bachchan were also present during the award ceremony.
Amitabh thanks President
After getting the award, Amitabh Bachchan thanked the President and Minister of Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar and said, “It is by the grace of God, the blessings of my parents, support of colleagues from the industry and the love of the people of India that I can stand in front of you. It’s been 50 years since the establishment of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and it is the time for which I have been working in the industry. I am grateful for this opportunity and accept this award with gratitude.”
Congratulations pour to Amitabh
Congratulations and best wishes have been pouring from all quarters to Amitabh Bachchan after receiving the award. The seasoned actress Hema Malini who had worked with Big B in many films said she could not think of a more appropriate person to be nominated for the award. Home minister Amit Shah along with many celebrities congratulated the actor, including his son Abhishek Bachchan, Rajnikanth, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle and many more.
Devika Rani first recipient
The highest honour of the film industry is named after the father of Indian Cinema Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, initiated in 1969. Devika Rani was the first recipient of this award. Among the awardees, two noted actors Prithviraj Kapoor (1971) and Vinod Khanna (2017) are the posthumous recipients. Some of the notable winners of this award are tragedy king Dilip Kumar, Deva Anand, Raj Kapoor and many more.
Domination in the film industry for 50-year
The megastar of Hindi cinema Amitabh Bachchan has been ruling Bollywood for over five decades. The superstar’s unique acting, vibrant voice and superb dialogue presentation have made him the cynosure of all eyes. His distinctive style of acting in Hindi films has made him different from others.
A cupboard full with awards
The Shahenshah of Hindi film’s cupboard is overflowing with awards, be it National Award, Filmfare award or the government of India conferred all the three Padma Awards to him. Besides this, the French government honoured him the highest civilian award ‘the Knight of the Legion of Honour’ in 2007 for his exceptional contribution in the film. Dadasaheb Phalke award has fulfilled his long-cherished dream.
The journey began in 1969
The superstar started his film career in 1969 with Saat Hindustani, despite his initial failure he never lost his heart and continued his hard work. Prakash Mehra’s 1973 film Zanjeer changed the career of Big B, and he became the blue-eyed star of the Indian Cinema. Since then he never looked back, and his domination in Hindi films had garnered popularity in the heart of the audience, and he was dubbed as the “angry young man”.
Rebirth of Amitabh
In 1982, Bachchan had a severe accident during the shooting of the film ‘Coolie’, but his miraculous recovery was a wonder. People of all walks of life were praying for his recovery and health. He was hospitalised in Mumbai; it is not wrong to say that it was the rebirth of the megastar. Prime minister Indira Gandhi also visited Amitabh in the hospital.
Venture in politics and business
After the assassination of prime minister Indira Gandhi, he kept himself busy in politics. He contested as a Congress party candidate from Allahabad in 1984. He emerged victoriously and reached the Parliament. But as a politician, he failed to leave his mark and resigned his seat in 1987 due to some controversy. Not to talk of politics Amitabh’s venture in business turned futile. Big B’s Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd (ABCL) failed to achieve its target.
The legend who has inspired and entertained for two generations remained aloof after his business failure. Then the lion-hearted star came back strongly from his den and spilt his talent in a different ball game in a TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati; this programme got lots of fame which revived his career the second time. The actor’s journey shows us that success and failure are part of a man’s life. Amitabh Bachchan, as a film actor, has got all the accolades. He is equally known and loved outside India. It would be not wrong to say that he is an acting guru as well as the role model of millions.
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