The awards are being presented at the Vigyan Bhawan in the capital. Manoj Bajpayee, Dhanush and Kangana received their awards for Best Actor for ‘Bhonsle’ and the Tamil film ‘Asuran’, and ‘Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi’ and ‘Panga’.
South superstar Rajinikanth received India’s highest film honour Dada Saheb Phalke Award for his outstanding contribution to the world of Indian cinema. The veteran actor received a standing ovation as he was conferred the award.
Rajinikanth thanked the central government and his ‘Guru’.
“I am extremely happy to receive this most prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award. My thanks to the honourable central government. I dedicate this award to my mentor, my guru K. Balachander. This moment, I remember him with great gratitude, and my brother Satyanarayan Gaikwad who’s like my father who brought me up by teaching me great values, and spirituality. My friend in Karnataka, bus transport driver, and my colleague Rajbahadur.”
He also tells his days of struggle.
‘When I was the bus conductor, he identified the acting talent in me and encouraged me to join the cinema. All my producers, directors, co-artists, technicians, distributors, exhibitors and the media, press and all my fans. Tamil people – without them I am no body. Jai Hind!’
Vijay Sethupathy was awarded with the Best Supporting Actor for his performance in ‘Super Deluxe’.
67th National Awards was delayed last year due to COVID-19 pandemic.
2021-10-25
