Dada Saheb Phalke Award

 

The National Film Awards named the most prestigious and coveted award in Indian cinema after Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, the Father of Indian Cinema. Raja Harishchandra, the first Indian feature film, was directed by him in 1913. Dadasaheb Phalke, as he was called, went on to make 95 feature films and 26 short films over the course of 19 years. The government established the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1969 to honor cinematic personalities who have contributed to the development of Indian cinema. 

Devika Rani was the very first winner of this honor.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award honors an individual who has made a significant contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. A Swarna Kamal, a monetary prize of Rs. 10,00,000/- (Rupees Ten Lakhs), a certificate, a silk scroll, and a shawl are included in the honor.