New Delhi: Receiving the most acknowledgeable accolade of his life, legendary lyricist Gulzar was honouored by Dada Saheb Phalke Award.
Noted lyricist-director Gulzar was today conferred the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award by President Pranab Mukherjee at the 61st National Film Awards ceremony here.
Gulzar, 79, received a standing ovation from the audience as he walked to the stage at Vigyan Bhavan to receive Indian cinema's highest honour. He was accompanied by his daughter Meghna, who got emotional.
“It rarely happens in life of someone whose job is to play with words that he fails to find right words to express his gratitude,” said Gulzar after receiving the award.
“Army and film industry are the only two places where caste, creed and religion don't matter. With all honesty I can say that film people are beautiful. I can take an oath about their secular nature. I am grateful that I am a part of them and they are my participants,” he added.
Gulzar was presented with the Swarn Kamal( golden lotus) medallion, a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh and a shawl by the President.
He is the 45th recipient of the the highest distinction given for contribution in the field of Indian cinema. Gulzar paid tributes to the people who worked with him in the past and present beginning from Bimal Roy to Mani Ratnam.
“It was impossible to reach where I am today alone. I am lucky to have great teachers like Bimal Roy and SD Burman. Nostalgia is there but it is not right to live in nostalgia. You have to change with time,” he said.
