Superstar Rajinikanth was honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 67th National Film Awards ceremony in New Delhi on Monday. The veteran actor received the highest film honour for his phenomenal contribution to the world of Indian cinema.
Rajinikanth was present at the ceremony wife Latha, daughter Soundarya and son-in-law Dhanush (who shared the best acting honours for Asuran, along with Manoj Bajapayee for Bhonsle). The award was decided by a jury consisting of five members: Asha Bhonsle, director Subhash Ghai, Mohanlal, Shankar Mahadevan and actor Biswajeet Chatterjee.
The actor, a matinee idol for ages and popularly called ‘Thalaivar’ (leader in Tamil), dedicated the honour to his mentor and late film director K Balanchander.
In his acceptance speech, the veteran actor said, “I am extremely happy to receive this prestigious award and my heartfelt thanks to the central government for honouring me with the Dadasaheb Phalke award. I dedicate this award to my mentor and guru K Balachander sir. At this moment, I remember him with gratitude. And my brother Satyanarayana Gaikwad, who is like my father, for teaching me great values and inculcating spirituality in me.”
The actor also rememberd his close friend, bus driver Raj Bahadur.
“Also, my thanks to my friend and colleague, Raj Bahadur, who was a bus transport driver. When I was the bus conductor, he was the one who identified the actor in me and encouraged me to join cinema. My gratitude to the honourable directors and producers who believed in me and did films with me. Thanks to technicians, distributors, exhibitors, the media and all my fans. My thanks to all the Tamil people – Without you, I am nobody,” he added.
Born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on December 12, 1950 he was christened ‘Rajinikanth,’ by ace Tamil filmmaker K Balachander in whose 1975 flick ‘Apporva Raagangal’ he debuted, in a supportive role. and then there was no looking back.
In a career spanning over four decades, the actor has acted in over 160 films. From ”Moondru Mudichu”, ”Billa”, Hindi titles ”Hum”, ”ChaalBaaz”, “Bhagwaan Dada” to ”Enthiran”, ”Kaala” and now the upcoming ”Annatthe”, Rajinikanth continues to entertain the audience with his swag, style and inimitable on-screen presence.
