Valid question: Should an artiste go old, weak and unwell to be a Dadasaheb Phalke recipient?

On similar patterns to last year’s National Awards ceremony, the Dadasaheb Phalke award winner this year too will not be able to come and receive the honor himself. Veteran actor Shashi Kapoor who was chosen as the worthy achiever of Dadasaheb Phalke award this year is too weak and unwell and collect the award in person. The question that arises here is, should an artiste really need to wait that long and grow weak to be named a Dadasaheb Phalke recipient.

Last year, when actor Pran got the big award, his family expressed a vocal dissent for having taken too late to announce the honor for him. In fact, the last time in a few years, an awardee went to collect the award, was in 2013 when Gulzar had presented himself in good health. The National Award jury must stress on the facts that felicitating a cinema contributor would mean a lot if his recognition is acknowledged in good health and spirit.

Shashi Kapoor, who is unlikely to be present for the ceremony too has got a backing people who feel sad for him not being able to go and receive the honor himself. "Too frail and unwell and unable to talk, Shashi would have to regrettably give the big moment a miss,” a friend said. "Why must we wait until an artiste is gone or seriously unwell before giving him or her Dadasaheb Phalke award? Luckily in 2013 for us Gulzar Saab was hale and hearty and able to collect his Dadasaheb Phalke award on his own two feet. But why must so many artistes get it when they can't attend or have to attend on a wheelchair?,” a source added.

Source: hindustantimes