In the vast universe of Indian cinema, there is no individual honour higher than the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. It is a lifetime achievement award, presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony, to recognize an individual’s outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. Named after Dhundiraj Govind ‘Dadasaheb’ Phalke, the father of Indian cinema, this award is the ultimate tribute to a film personality. This 2026 article pays homage to the legends who have received this award and provides a list of some of its esteemed recipients.
Quick Answer
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest honor in cinema, awarded for lifetime contribution. It was first presented in 1969 to actress Devika Rani. Recipients are cinematic legends who have shaped the industry, including Satyajit Ray, Raj Kapoor, Lata Mangeshkar, Amitabh Bachchan, and Rajinikanth. It celebrates unparalleled dedication and excellence in Indian film.
Who Was Dadasaheb Phalke?
Dadasaheb Phalke (1870-1944) is revered as the ‘Father of Indian Cinema’. He was a visionary filmmaker who directed India’s first full-length feature film, ‘Raja Harishchandra’, in 1913. His pioneering efforts laid the foundation for the world’s largest film industry. To commemorate his monumental contribution, the Government of India instituted the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1969, the birth centenary year of Phalke. The award serves as a reminder of his legacy and a celebration of those who have carried his torch forward.
The Prestige and Selection Process of the Award
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is not given for a single work but for an entire body of work that has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
- The Highest Honour: It is the most prestigious of all the honours presented at the National Film Awards ceremony.
- Jury Selection: The recipient is selected by a committee consisting of eminent personalities from the Indian film industry.
- The Award Itself: The award comprises a ‘Swarna Kamal’ (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a significant cash prize.
- A Celebration of a Legacy: Receiving this award signifies that the individual is not just an artist but an institution in themselves, having influenced generations of filmmakers and actors.
While the Dadasaheb Phalke Award honours a lifetime of work, the National Film Award winners are celebrated for their exemplary work in a particular year.
Who was the first recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award?
The very first Dadasaheb Phalke Award was presented in 1969 to actress Devika Rani, who was widely acknowledged as the ‘First Lady of Indian Cinema’. This was a fitting tribute to her pioneering role as an actress and co-founder of the iconic Bombay Talkies studio during the early years of Indian cinema.
A List of Dadasaheb Phalke Award Winners: The Pantheon of Legends
The list of winners reads like a who’s who of Indian cinema. Here are some of the iconic personalities who have been conferred with this honour over the decades.
| Year of Award | Recipient | Notable Contribution |
| 1971 | Prithviraj Kapoor | Pioneering actor of stage and screen, patriarch of the Kapoor family. |
| 1984 | Satyajit Ray | Globally acclaimed director, regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. |
| 1987 | Raj Kapoor | Iconic actor, producer, and director known as ‘The Greatest Showman of Indian Cinema’. |
| 1989 | Lata Mangeshkar | The legendary playback singer, known as the ‘Nightingale of India’. |
| 1992 | Bhupen Hazarika | Renowned musician, singer, and filmmaker from Assam. |
| 1994 | Dilip Kumar | Legendary actor known as the ‘Tragedy King’. |
| 2000 | Asha Bhosle | Versatile and iconic playback singer. |
| 2007 | Manna Dey | Celebrated playback singer of the golden era. |
| 2012 | Pran | The most iconic villain and character actor in Hindi cinema. |
| 2015 | Manoj Kumar | Actor and director known for his patriotic films. |
| 2018 | Amitabh Bachchan | The ‘Shahenshah’ of Bollywood, one of the most influential actors in cinema history. |
| 2019 | Rajinikanth | The ‘Superstar’, an icon of Indian cinema with a massive pan-Indian following. |
| 2020 | Asha Parekh | Veteran actress, director, and producer, a star of the 1960s and 70s. |
Recent Honourees (Hypothetical for 2024-2026)
Looking forward, the committee continues to honour luminaries who have dedicated their lives to cinema. Here are some plausible, hypothetical recipients for the coming years.
- 2024 (For the year 2022): Waheeda Rehman – A legendary actress of unparalleled grace and talent, whose performances in films like ‘Pyaasa’, ‘Guide’, and ‘Khamoshi’ are considered masterclasses in acting.
- 2025 (For the year 2023): Kamal Haasan – An actor, director, writer, and producer who has consistently pushed the boundaries of Indian cinema for over five decades with his versatile and daring work.
- 2026 (For the year 2024): Javed Akhtar – A celebrated scriptwriter and lyricist who, as part of the Salim-Javed duo, redefined the Hindi film hero in the 1970s and has since penned some of India’s most memorable lyrics.
Mistakes and Misconceptions about the Award
- Confusing it with Private Awards: Several private organizations host award ceremonies named ‘Dadasaheb Phalke [Something] Awards’. These are not the official award. The one and only prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the one conferred by the Government of India at the National Film Awards.
- Thinking it’s an Annual ‘Best Of’ Award: It is not an award for the best performance of the year. It is a lifetime achievement award that considers contributions made over a long and distinguished career.
- Believing it’s Only for Actors and Directors: While actors and directors are frequent recipients, the award has been given to personalities from various fields of cinema, including singers (Lata Mangeshkar), cinematographers (V. K. Murthy), and producers (B. Nagi Reddy).
Conclusion
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is more than just a trophy; it is a testament to a life dedicated to the magic of cinema. The list of its winners is a chronicle of the history and evolution of Indian film, featuring the artists who have not only entertained but also shaped the cultural consciousness of the nation. As we celebrate the winners in 2026 and beyond, we honour the enduring legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke and the incredible individuals who have built upon his pioneering vision to make Indian cinema a global force.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dadasaheb Phalke Award given posthumously?
Generally, the award is conferred upon living legends. However, there has been one notable exception. In 1971, the award was given posthumously to Prithviraj Kapoor, who had passed away earlier that year. This remains a rare occurrence.
Who is the youngest recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award?
This is a topic of some debate, but Prithviraj Kapoor was 65 when he was awarded posthumously. Among living recipients, Shashi Kapoor was 77 when he received the award in 2014. The award is typically given to artists in the later stages of their illustrious careers.
Has any non-Indian citizen received this award?
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is exclusively for contributions to ‘Indian’ cinema. As such, all recipients have been Indian citizens who have dedicated their careers to the Indian film industry.
How many women have won the Dadasaheb Phalke Award?
Several iconic women have been honoured with this award. The list includes Devika Rani (the first recipient), Sulochana, Kanan Devi, Durga Khote, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Asha Parekh, and Waheeda Rehman, celebrating their immense contributions to cinema.
Is there a separate Dadasaheb Phalke Award for different film industries (e.g., South)?
No, there is only one Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the entire Indian film industry. It recognizes contributions to Indian cinema as a whole, and many recipients from South Indian film industries, like Dr. Rajkumar, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, K. Balachander, and Rajinikanth, have been honoured.