MUMBAI, May 10 � Veteran actor-filmmaker Shashi Kapoor was today conferred the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award at the landmark Prithvi Theatre here by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley, reports PTI.
Kapoor, the younger brother of iconic actors Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor, could not travel to Delhi because of his ill-health for the award ceremony, which was held on May 3. Therefore, the Minister came to Mumbai to give away the award.
�It is indeed an important moment as one of our veteran actors is getting the award. It is conferred on Shashi Kapoor, who is undoubtedly a versatile personality Indian cinema has ever produced ... An actor par excellence who competed with the best and carved out best work as actor, producer and director. We are presenting this award symbolically at the institution he created,� Jaitley said after giving the honour.
The 77-year-old actor is the third person from the Kapoor family to receive the honour from the government, after his father Prithviraj Kapoor and elder brother Raj Kapoor.
�The way the Kapoor family is producing talent, I am sure this award is not the last one (for the family),� Jaitley said.
�I wish him an improved health... Long life... Best in life,� the Minister said.
Wearing a black outfit and an orange shawl, Kapoor arrived at the Prithvi Theatre on a wheelchair.
Jaitley presented him a citation, a shawl, a medal and a cheque.
Kapoor folded his hands and smiled at everyone after receiving the award. He got a standing ovation from everyone present at the function.
The event was moderated by noted actor and Kapoor�s nephew Rishi Kapoor.
