One of Tollywood's most respected film directors Kasinadhuni Viswanath is to be conferred the 48th Dadasaheb Phalke Award, for the year 2016.
I & B Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today approved the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award committee.
The award is conferred by the Centre for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. It consists of a Swarn Kamal (golden lotus), a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakhs and a shawl.
The award will be conferred upon Viswanath by the President at a function on May 3 at Vigyan Bhawan.
A presenter of classical and traditional art, music and dance, K Viswanath has been an important figure in the Indian film industry. As a director he made some 50 films since 1965, which are almost all known for their strong content, compelling narratives and cultural authenticity. His films have been on a wide range of social and human issues, and have almost unexceptionally had great appeal among the masses.
One of his most famous films Sankarabharanam is one of India's most memorable classics, and is the story of a highly reputed and revered singer who loses his stature and income after offering refuge to a rape victim. Another touching film Siri Vennela was the story of a blind flautist and a mute painter who fall in love with each other, and their setbacks.
K Viswanath was born in February 1930 at Gudivada in Andhra Pradesh, and is both an actor and a director. His contributions have received recognition in the form of the Padmasri award in 1992, five National Awards, 20 Nandi Awards and 10 Filmfare Awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award. His National Award-winning Swathi Muthyam was India's official entry to the 59th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Film category.