Dadasaheb Phalke award for Amitabh Bachchan

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, superstar of the 1970s and 1980s, has been unanimously chosen to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke award this year.

Prakash Javadekar, Union minister for information and broadcasting, made the announcement on Twitter earlier this evening.

Javadekar stated, "The legend Amitabh Bachchan who entertained and inspired for 2 generations has been selected unanimously for Dadasaheb Phalke award. The entire country and international community is happy. My heartiest congratulations to him."

The legend Amitabh Bachchan who entertained and inspired for 2 generations has been selected unanimously for #DadaSahabPhalke award. The entire country and international community is happy. My heartiest Congratulations to him.@narendramodi @SrBachchan pic.twitter.com/obzObHsbLk

— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) September 24, 2019

Named after the father of Indian cinema, filmmaker Dadasaheb Phalke, the award is the highest honour for a film personality in India. Last year, the honour was posthumously conferred upon actor Vinod Khanna at the 65th National Awards. Due to the Lok Sabha election earlier this year, both the National Film Awards and the Dadasaheb Phalke award announcement were delayed.

Bachchan has previously been honoured with the Padma Shri, the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan.

After Javadekar's announcement, congratulations began to pour in from all quarters, including one close to home, Bachchan's son Abhishek.

Overjoyed and so, so proud! #ProudSon 🙏 https://t.co/bDj4kNaVhS

— Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan) September 24, 2019

Southern superstar Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan's co-star in Andhaa Kaanoon (1983) and Hum (1991), also tweeted his congratulations.

Congratulations dear @SrBachchan ji !!! You richly deserve this commendable honour !!!! #DadaSahebPhalkeAward

— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) September 24, 2019

Personalities from across the various Indian film industries wished the veteran actor on his latest honour.

Dear Amitji,
Couldn’t be happier to hear news that you will be receiving the prestigeous #DadaSahebPhalkeAward . You have inspired and entertained billions and continue to do so. We love you Sir and are so very proud of you 🙏 @SrBachchan pic.twitter.com/okyCHJIAYr

— Nagarjuna Akkineni (@iamnagarjuna) September 24, 2019

The most inspiring legend of Indian Cinema!!!! He is a bonafide rock star!!! I am honoured and proud to be in the Era of AMITABH BACHCHAN! The prestigious #DadaSahebPhalkeAward to @SrBachchan https://t.co/wPepdsbugL

— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) September 24, 2019

There is no mention of Indian cinema without this Legend! He has redefined cinema with every role & deserves every accolade for his innumerable contributions! Congratulations @SrBachchan! #DadaSahebPhalkeAward https://t.co/sBJ7aHlGCI

— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) September 24, 2019