Manoj Kumar to be conferred Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Veteran Film Actor and Director Manoj Kumar has been selected for the prestigious 47th Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2015.
He was unanimously selected by a five member jury consisted of Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Salim Khan, Nitin Mukesh and Anup Jalota.

About Manoj Kumar

• Manoj Kumar was born as Harikishan Giri Goswami on 24 July 1937 in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), then part of British India.
• He had shifted to Delhi at the age of 10 due to India-Pakistan partition after independence. He entered in the film industry after graduating from Hindu College, University of Delhi.
• His debut role as an actor was in the film Fashion (1957) and as a leading role was in film Kaanch Ki Gudia (1960).
• He is remembered for his films Hariyali Aur Raasta, Himalaya Ki God Mein, Woh Kaun Thi, Do Badan, Patthar Ke Sanam, Upkaar, Neel Kamal, Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, and Kranti.
• He is best known for acting in and directing films with patriotic themes. His first patriotic film was Shaheed (1965) based on the life of Bhagat Singh.
• Awards and Honours: He is a recipient of National Film Award (1968) for the film Upkaar. He also was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1992 and Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999.

About Dadasaheb Phalke Award

• The award is conferred by the Union Government on person for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema.
• Established in 1969 to commemorate the birth centenary year of father of Indian cinema Dadasaheb Phalke. It is the highest official recognition (award) in Indian cinema.
• The Award consists of a Swarn Kamal, a cash prize of 10 lakhs rupees and a shawl. It is given on the basis of recommendations of a committee of eminent personalities set up by the Centre.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2016