NEW DELHI: Over the years, he has mesmerised millions of his fans with performances in innumerable blockbusters, and now, Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan is likely to be recommended for 2015 Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
According to sources, Waheeda Rehman, Dharmendra and Manoj Kumar are also in the race. The award is conferred by the Central government for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema. The award, which consists of a Swarn Kamal (Golden Lotus), a cash prize of `10 lakhs and a shawl, is given on the basis of recommendations of a Committee of eminent film personalities which must include a former Dadasaheb Phalke awardee.
Director of Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF) is government representative in the Committee. According to sources, the final decision for the highest award in Indian cinema will be taken by the committee and the winner may be announced in the last week of March. A source said Waheeda, who delivered super hit films like Pyasa, Kagaz Ke Phool, Guide, Neel Kamal and Chaudhvin Ka Chand could also be a strong contender as no female artist has won the award since 2000. In their previous regime, the NDA government had bestowed the honour on Asha Bhonsle in 2000.
Born on February 3, 1938 in Vijaywada, Waheeda started her career with Telugu film industry. She was luanched in Hindi films by Guru Dutt in CID which was released in 1956. “Her name was recommended in the past too. Manoj Kumar and Dharmendra, who have been recommended earlier in the past, could also be surprise winner. There are many surprises for Dadasaheb Phalke Award and we have seen how Yash Chopra got it even before Dev Anand in 2001. He was nowhere in the scene when first shortlist was prepared,” the source further added.
Manoj Kumar, who known for patriotic films like Shaheed, Upkar,Kranti and Roti, Kapda Aur Makan was also in the race for the award in 2012, but it was eventually given to Pran.
Manoj Kumar made his Bollywood debut with Fashion, which was released in 1957. His blockbuster movie Upkar won four Filmfare awards in 1968 including best Director and best story.
More names could also be received in the next few days, a government official said, admitting that sometime last minute recommendations are also received from Film Federation of India or some top filmmakers.
“The Information & Broadcasting Minister has discretionary power to approve Dadasaheb Phalke Award. He can reject the winner selected by the committee and decide the winner. He is fully authorised to do so and it is part of the rules,” the official said.