Renowned filmmaker and actor Kasinadhuni Viswanath, best known for his award-winning movies in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi, has won the Dadasaheb Phalke award for the year 2016 for his outstanding contribution to the film industry.
He will be the 48 recipient of the award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, which consists of a golden lotus, a cash prize of ₹10 lakh and a shawl. President Pranab Mukherjee will confer the award on him at a ceremony on May 3 at Vigyan Bhawan here. The recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke award committee to recognise the 87-year-old film industry icon was approved by Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Monday.
Social themes
A recipient of five National Film Awards, Viswanath is celebrated for his film Sankarabharanam , Sagara Sangamam , Swati Mutyam , Saptapadi , Kaamchor , Sanjog and Jaag Utha Insaan . Mr. Viswanath, who has made about 50 films since 1965, is known for his plots that revolve around social themes.
Swati Mutyam , a National Award-winning film, was India’s official entry to the 59 Academy Awards in the best foreign film category. He won the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Andhra Pradesh goverment has honoured him with 20 Nandi awards.
