The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest award in cinema given annually by the Government of India for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.
The Award is given to a prominent personality from the Indian film industry, noted and respected for significant contributions to Indian cinema. A committee consisting eminent personalities from the Indian film industry is appointed to evaluate the award. Introduced in 1969, the birth centenary year of Dadasaheb Phalke, considered as the father of Indian cinema, award is given to recognise the contribution of film personalities towards the development of Indian Cinema and for distinguished contribution to the medium, its growth and promotion.
The award for a particular year is given during the end of the following year along with the National Film Awards. The award comprises a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a cash prize of 1 million and a shawl.
Cash prize amount varied over the period. Following table illustrates the cash prize amount over the years:
| Year (Period) | Cash Prize |
|---|---|
| 1969 - 1972 | A plaque, a shawl and 11,000 |
| 1973 - 1976 | A Gold medal, a shawl and 20,000 |
| 1977 - 1983 | A Gold medal, a shawl and 40,000 |
| 1982 - 2002 | Swarna Kamal, 1,00,000 and a Shawl |
| 2003 - 2005 | Swarna Kamal, 2,00,000 and a Shawl |
| 2006 till date | Swarna Kamal, 10,00,000 and a Shawl |
Read more about Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Recipients
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—Robert Graves (1895–1985)