Why In News?

Veteran actor Shri Anant Nag has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honour in cinema.

Who is Anant Nag?

Acted in over 300 films across Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, and Marathi cinema. 

Served as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council (MLC) from 1988 to 1994, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from 1994 to 1999, and held office as the Minister of State for Bangalore City Development.  

Part of National Award-winner Hamsageethe (1975), Bayalu Dari, Naa Ninna Bidalaare (1979), Minchina Ota, Gouri Ganesha, Bara, Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu (2016), Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, and blockbuster KGF: Chapter 1.

What is the Dadasaheb Phalke Award?

Highest Indian Cinema Honour: Instituted by the Government of India to recognize individuals for their "outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema".

Institution in 1969: Introduced in 1969 during the 17th National Film Awards.

In Memory of Dadasaheb Phalke: Established in memory of Dhundiraj Govind "Dadasaheb" Phalke (1870–1944), widely regarded as the "Father of Indian Cinema," who directed India's first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913.

First Recipient: Renowned actress Devika Rani was the inaugural winner in 1969.

Statutory Components: The award comprises a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a ceremonial shawl, and a cash prize of ₹10 lakh.

Selection Mechanism: Winners are chosen by an official selection committee comprising eminent personalities from the Indian film industry.

Source: PIB

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in India, consider the following statements:

  1. It is India's highest award in cinema, presented annually at the National Film Awards by the Directorate of Film Festivals.

  2. The award includes a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus), a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹10 lakh.

  3. Devika Rani was the first recipient of the award at the 17th National Film Awards in 1969.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(A) 1 and 2 only

(B) 2 and 3 only

(C) 1 and 3 only

(D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (D) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is indeed India's highest honor in cinema, presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony by the Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.  

Statement 2 is correct: The award consists of a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize (traditionally ₹10 lakh, though components can be referenced as such in standard administrative questions). 

Statement 3 is correct: Legendary actress Devika Rani was the very first recipient of this prestigious award, presented at the 17th National Film Awards in 1969.