Actor Amitabh Bachchan was honoured with Personality Of the Year award at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on Tuesday. The prestigious award consisting of a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, certificate, shawl and scroll was conferred for his outstanding contribution to India cinema.
The award was presented to the star by Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Smriti Irani and actor Akshay Kumar at a glittering function at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium. In a career spanning almost five decades, the 75-year-old actor has done over 190 Indian films. He has bagged four national awards for best actor and 15 Filmfare awards.
Speaking on the occasion, the actor expressed his happiness over the receiving award of Indian Film Personality of The Year. “'Many occasions come in life when you do not find a words to describe your feelings. 'Dhanyavad' (thank you) becomes a small word. But whatever was said through this programme, I would like express my gratitude for that. Goa has been close to my heart. I have immense memories and special affection towards Goan people as my first film Saath Hindusthani was shot in Goa. Very first female fan I had was also from Goa. Thank you IFFI and Smriti Ji for the recognition. I have always felt that something which comes to me, I do not deserve that but I still respect that. Thank you so much,'' he said.
“I have always felt that my respected regard for Indian film industry has rested in the presence the industry has in work..We never ask for caste, creed, the colour, religion of the person sitting next to us. We laugh at the same jokes, we cry at the same emotions, we sing the same song, ....where can we find such a wonderful and worthy example of unity and integrity as we do in the world of cinema,” the Shahanshah of the industry said.
Earlier, known as the Centenary Award, the Indian Film Personality of the Year Award was announced as a part of IFFI to honour a film personality for their outstanding Contribution in Indian Film Industry through their films, music and entertainment.
Apart from being the iconic actor that people know of, he is also known for his baritone voice that charms everyone.
Big B has an endless list of accolades which includes some of the highest civilian honours of India including Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. France's highest civilian honour, the Knight of the Legion of Honour, was conferred upon him by the French Government in 2007. The actor is widely considered as the one of the greatest, with the most influential presence in Indian Cinema.
Before the presentation of the award, Akshay Kumar and director and producer Karan Johar heaped praises on the actor. While Akshay termed him as 'The Father of the Industry', Karan said the star was a legend.