The highest honor in the Indian film industry is the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, named after Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema. It was introduced in 1969 and is presented annually by the Government of India to recognize outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Indian cinema. The award includes a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medal, a shawl, and a cash prize.
It is the most prestigious award in Indian cinema and is given for lifetime achievement in the field. Notable recipients include Amitabh Bachchan, Lata Mangeshkar, and Rajinikanth, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to Indian films.