The fans of megastar Rajinikanth can't keep calm as the actor will be given the nation's highest film honour, the 51st "Dadasaheb Phalke Award" by the government of India for his contribution to Indian cinema.
The actor, who started out as a bus conductor, made his debut in the 1975 movie "Apoorva Ragangal" and became one of the highest-paid actors in India.
Calling him "one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian cinema", Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar made the announcement and said, "His contribution as an actor, producer, and screenwriter has been iconic".
Happy to announce #Dadasaheb Phalke award for 2019 to one of the greatest actors in history of Indian cinema Rajnikant ji
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) April 1, 2021
His contribution as actor, producer and screenwriter has been iconic
I thank Jury @ashabhosle @SubhashGhai1 @Mohanlal@Shankar_Live #BiswajeetChatterjee pic.twitter.com/b17qv6D6BP
Rajinkanth was selected by a jury comprised of veteran playback singer Asha Bhosle, director-producer Subhash Ghai, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, music composer and singer Shankar Mahadevan, and Biswajeet Chatterjee.
For the "Dadasaheb Phalke Award" Rajnikanth will be honoured with a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of INR 1 million ($13,629).
Netizens and celebs have taken to social media pouring out congratulatory messages and recalling his great work.
One of the greatest actors of last 45 years. Though people use his style to shadow his acting skills, his early days movies prove none can match him. His contribution to Indian cinema is immeasurable ❤️
— BALASUBRAMANI.N (@Cardiobala) April 1, 2021
Thalaiva😍 #DadasahebPhalkeRAJINIKANTH#Rajinikanth #Annaatthe #Dadasaheb https://t.co/LSuZqMMJti
Congrats Thalaivaa for your DadasahebPhalke🥳
— Sitharth 🤘 (@sidvid19) April 1, 2021
Blessed to be born in #Rajinikanth
Era (man with no boundaries🙌)
Keep inspiring us...Stay healthy!#MyThalaivar❤️@rajinikanth#DadasahebPhalkeRAJINIKANTH pic.twitter.com/snqBd32onn
God of Indian Cinema #Rajinikanth to be honored with the #DadasahebPhalke award for his contribution as an actor, producer and screenwriter Congratulation @rajinikanth sir.#Annaatthe #Annaattheupdate #DadasahebPhalkeAward #Dadasaheb #dadasahebPhalkeAward2021 #SuperStar #BREAKING pic.twitter.com/roEi2D5tgj
— Anil Kumar (@seoanil) April 1, 2021
After Sivaji , Rajini Won the Dada Saheb Phalke Award, The Gift of 45 + Year's of Stardom 😍😎#Rajinikanth pic.twitter.com/qAxZ3osZnU
— 💥Mahesh💥 (@BourbonMahesh) April 1, 2021
The actor is the recipient of two other national honours, the "Padma Bhushan" and the "Padma Vibhushan".
