The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is widely regarded by the Government of India as the highest honour in Indian cinema. But unlike many commercial awards, it is not something an actor, filmmaker or producer can purchase or apply for by paying a fee. The award is conferred by the Government of India in recognition of an individual’s outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
The award was instituted in 1969 in memory of Dadasaheb Phalke, who directed Raja Harishchandra in 1913, regarded as India’s first full-length feature film. Devika Rani was the first recipient of the honour. Since then, the award has recognised some of the most influential figures in Indian cinema.
How Much Prize Money Does the Award Carry?
For the 72nd National Film Awards, the official Government of India factsheet lists the Dadasaheb Phalke Award with a cash prize of ₹10 lakh, along with a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion and a shawl.
However, there has been a change in the reported cash component in recent official material. The 71st National Film Awards notification for Mohanlal’s 2023 award specified a ₹15 lakh cash prize, along with the Swarna Kamal and shawl. Therefore, readers should distinguish between the current award details published for the 72nd edition and the previous edition’s prize structure.
What Are the Benefits?
The biggest benefit of winning the Dadasaheb Phalke Award is its national recognition rather than the monetary prize alone. The honour formally recognises a lifetime of contribution to Indian cinema and places the recipient among an exclusive group of filmmakers, actors and other cinema personalities.
Recipients receive the Swarna Kamal medallion, a prestigious national honour, and a shawl. The award is presented as part of the National Film Awards ceremony, adding considerable visibility and institutional recognition to the recipient’s career.
The selection process is also different from many competitive film categories. No entries are invited for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Instead, a specially constituted committee of eminent film personalities recommends the recipient.
Who Is Receiving It in 2026?
For the 2024 award year, veteran actor Anant Nag has been selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. The Government announced the decision on September 16, 2026, citing his more than five-decade cinematic journey and contribution to Indian cinema. The award is scheduled to be presented at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on September 22, 2026, in Kevadia, Gujarat.
