Veteran actress Asha Parekh will get the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2020, according to an announcement made on Tuesday by Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur.
Asha Parekh is an internationally recognized actress, director, producer, and skilled classical dancer. Starting her career as a child artist she did her first film at the age of ten Maa (1952). In addition to some well-known films like Dil Deke Dekho, Kati Patang, Teesri Manzil, Love in Tokyo, Aya Saawan Jhoom Ke, Aan Milo Sajna, and Mera Gaon Mera Desh, she appeared in more than 90 films.
She was awarded the Padma Shri by the Indian government in 1992 in recognition of her contributions to the film industry.
It is dedicated to Dadasaheb Phalke, who is known as the “father of Indian cinema” and directed Raja Harishchandra, the first Hindi film.
The winners of the highest honour in the cinema industry are acknowledged for their extraordinary contributions to the growth and advancement of Indian cinema. According to the website of the Directorate of Film Festivals, the prize includes a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a monetary reward of Rs 10 lakh. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is authorized for it.
The honour will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu on September 30 along with the National Film Awards to Asha Parekh.