Veteran actor Pran gets Dadasaheb Phalke award

MUMBAI: Legendary Bollywood actor Pran was on Friday honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award by Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari at his residence here.

Pran, 93, could not attend the ceremony in New Delhi due to ill-health. It is probably for the first time that an artiste was given the Phalke award at his home.

Best known for his portrayal of negative roles in Hindi movies like 'Milan', 'Madhumati', 'Kashmir ki Kali', the veteran actor was honoured with a ' Swarna Kamal' (golden lotus) medallion, a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh and a shawl.

Wheel chair bound Pran, dressed in a kurt-pyjama, received the award at his apartment in Pali Hill, Bandra.

He was accompanied by daughter Pinky and son Sunil. "He was not well so it was our responsibility to give him the award at his place. He thanked everyone," Tewari said.

When asked if the felicitation came late, Tewari said, "There is a procedure that is followed for the awards. It is the jury that decides when to give the award."