Dadasaheb Phalke award for Shyam Benegal

Noted film-maker Shyam Benegal was today honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award by the government in appreciation of his "outstanding contribution" to Indian cinema.

The prestigious award, carrying a cash component of Rs 2 lakh, a golden lotus and a shawl, will be conferred on Benegal by President Pratibha Patil at a ceremony later this year.

Benegal, who is also a member of the Rajya Sabha, was bestowed with Padma Shri in 1976 and Padma Bhushan in 1991.