Sargam, Kaamchor director K Viswanath conferred Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2016

Eminent film director and actor Kasinathuni Viswanath will be conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the country’s highest award in cinema, it was announced on Monday.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu approved the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award committee for the latest recipient of the award, conferred by the government for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema, an official statement said.

The award consists of a Swarn Kamal (Golden Lotus), a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh and a shawl will be conferred by President Pranab Mukherjee on May 3 in the national capital.

Winner of multiple National Awards, Vishwanath has directed 50 films, known for their strong content, endearing narrative, honest handling and cultural authenticity.

Some of his major Hindi films include Sargam, Kaamchor, Sanjog, Jaag Utha Insan and Eeshwar.

Born in February 1930 at Gudivada (in what is now Andhra Pradesh), Viswanath has won five National Awards, 20 Nandi Awards (awarded by the Andhra Government), and 10 Filmfare Awards including Lifetime Achievement Award. He was conferred the Padma Shri in 1992.

His National award winning movie Swati Mutyam (The White Pearl) was India’s official entry to the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Film category in 1987.