Manoj Kumar Wins Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Says ‘I'm Going To Return As A Director Soon’

Manoj Kumar has been chosen to be bestowed with prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award. About being the 47^th recipient of highest official recognition in Indian cinema, the veteran actor said, “Every award I've been honoured with, be it the National Award or the Padma Shree, has been big, but this one is the biggest, officially”. With that, the actor who is fondly called Bharat Kumar also revealed that he will soon make a comeback as a director.

Manoj Kumar said that it was hard to believe that his name has been announced. “I was sleeping when Madhur Bhandarkar and Ashoke Pandit called me with the news saying that I should switch on the TV and see it for myself if I didn't believe them”, he said. His name had been unanimously suggested by the jury comprising Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Nitin Mukesh, Salim Khan and Anup Jalota. The award comprises of Swarn Kamal (Golden Lotus) and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh along with a shawl.

The yesteryear actor also revealed that he is planning to don director’s hat soon. “I'm going to return as a director soon”, he said and added, “I never retired, once a soldier, always a soldier”. 

Source: indiatimes.com