Dada Saheb Phalke award for Pran

Yesteryear Hindi cinema actor Pran Krishan Sikand (Pran), who was both loved and feared as a typical villain by moviegoers, has been chosen for the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award, the country's highest official recognition for film personalities.

The 93-year-old actor will receive the award, named after the father of Indian cinema Dada Saheb Phalke, on 3 May, at a function to mark 100 years of Indian cinema.

Pran will receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2012. He is the 44th Dada Saheb Phalke award winner.

The award is conferred by the Government of India for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.

The award consists of a Swarn Kamal, a cash prize of Rs10 lakh and a shawl. The award is given on the basis of recommendations of a committee of eminent persons.

Beginning his career as a hero in 1940 with 'Yamala Jat', Pran has acted in more than 400 films in a six decade-long career till he retired from acting in 1998.

Pran achieved fame as a villain in numerous films, including classics like 'Milan', 'Madhumati' and 'Kashmir Ki Kali'.

Pran has given sterling performances in many films along with Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor in 1950s and 60s. His performances have won acclaim in films like Azaad, Madhumati, Devdas, Dil Diya Dard Liya, Ram Aur Shyam and Aadmi, Ziddi, Munimji, Amar Deep, Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai, Aah, Chori Chori, Jagte Raho, Chhalia, Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai, etc.

Born in the year 1920 in Delhi, Pran started his career way back in 1940. He first ventured into photography but a chance meeting with a film producer got him his first role in a film called Yamla Jat. Pran acted in several films, his base being Lahore in undivided India. His career experienced a brief pause due to partition in 1947.

Subsequently he moved to Bombay. With the help of the famous writer Saadat Hasan Manto and actor Shyam, Pran got a break in the Bombay Talkies film Ziddi, which had Dev Anand in the lead role. The film Ziddi brought him to limelight in the Bombay film industry and then there was no turning back.

His impressive performances have bestowed an entirely unique new dimension to the negative and character roles in Hindi cinema. His contribution to mainstream Hindi cinema is well recognised, assuring him the place of one of the most illustrious and celebrated actors of Indian film industry.

Pran is a recipient of a number of film awards, including the Filmfare Award. He was also honoured with the Padma Bhushan.