Manoj Kumar, Khayyam top contenders for Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Actor-producer-writer-director Manoj Kumar and music composer Khayyam are among the two top names in consideration for the upcoming Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which is given by the central government every year.

The prestigious award, founded in 1969, is mostly announced in sync with and presented at the National Film Awards ceremony in New Delhi.

According to sources in the know, Manoj Kumar is one of the frontrunners. He is identified in the public mind with his patriotic films like Upkar, Purab Paschim, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan and Kranti to cite just a few examples.

The other top choice is Khayyam, who has composed memorable film music scores right from the 1950s to 2014. His songs from Phir Subah Hogi, Aakhri Khat, Kabhi Kabhie, Bazaar, Razia Sultan and Umrao Jaan are just some of the outstanding examples from his vast body of work.

Manoj Kumar – born Harikishan Giri Goswami -- is 78 years old while Khayaam – born Mohammed Zahur Khayyam -- is 88.

According to the source, the final decision may swing in favour of Kumar since he has been ailing and was admitted last month for nearly a fortnight to treat chronic backache. Moreover, the actor-filmmaker nicknamed Mr. Bharat has consistently emphasised the need for nationalism as his theme.

Devika Rani was the first recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Last year, the award went to Shashi Kapoor and in the years before that to Gulzar (2014), Pran (2013), Soumitra Chatterjee (2012) and K Balachander (2011).

In Delhi’s highest political echelons, there is much canvassing for the Phalke Award. The only speed breakers in the way of Kumar or Khayyam could be lobbying for an awardee who is not from the Mumbai film industry – since consecutively the last three winners have been from the realm of Hindi cinema.

May the best veteran win!

Thumbnail Image Source: bollybreak and radioandmusic