Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar announced on Thursday that megastar Rajinikanth will receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award this year.
“Happy to announce Dadasaheb Phalke award for 2020 to one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian cinema Rajnikant ji. His contribution as actor, producer and screenwriter has been iconic,” Javadekar said in a tweet.
The jury of actors Mohanlal and Biswajeet, singers Asha Bhosle and Shankar Mahadevan and filmmaker Subhash Ghai selected Rajinikanth for the award.
The 70-year-old megastar is reportedly the 12th actor from the south to receive the prestigious award following southern legends such as Dr Rajkumar, K Balachander and Akkineni Nageshwar Rao, among others.
Rajinikanth made his film debut in 1975 with the Tamil film Apoorva Ragangal. The actor has a massive fan base across the world who monicker him as Thalaivar due to his unique style. Rajinikanth has delivered hit films such as Sivaji, Enthiran, Billu, Muthu and Baashha. The actor has also acted in Bollywood films Hum and Chaalbaaz.
Rajinikanth had planned to launch his political party ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election this year but had to reconsider his decision due to health reasons. Rajinikanth will be seen next in Siruthai Siva’s Annaatthe.
