Veteran filmmaker K Viswanath gets standing ovation at 64th National Film Awards
The eminent film director and actor Kasinathuni Viswanath received a standing ovation as the President of India Mr. Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday presented him the coveted Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which is regarded as the country’s highest award in cinema. The award is given by the government for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. The 87-year-old attended the presentation ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan here, and received a Swarn Kamal (Golden Lotus), along with the cash prize of Rs 10 lakh and a shawl.
Talking about the award he said, “I am honored to receive the coveted Dadasaheb Phalke Award. I’d like to thank the Almighty lord and of course the jury members,” Viswanath, a winner of multiple National Awards, said after receiving the honour. The Clippings of his works were showcased before he took the stage during the said National Awards. In his career, 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”.
The filmmaker was 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 Pradesh 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. We salute this man for his contribution in Indian Cinema.
