The Narendra Modi government has conferred this year's prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award to actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth.
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Prakash Javadekar, the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, tweeted. "Happy to announce Dadasaheb Phalke award for 2019 to one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian cinema Rajnikantji. His contribution as actor, producer and screenwriter has been iconic,"
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"India every year gives Dadasaheb Phalke awards for a film personality. This year, this selection has been made by a jury. This year's jury comprised Asha Bhonsle, Mohanlal, Vishwajeet Chatterjee, Shankar Mahadevan and Subhash Ghai. All five jurists held consultations, and there was consensus on Rajinikanth's name," Javadekar said.
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"Rajinikanth has been shining like the sun in the cine world for the last 50 years. Through his talent, hard work and commitment, he has made a place in people's hearts," he added.
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PM Narendra Modi also congratulated and took to Twitter to wish him saying, "Popular across generations, a body of work few can boast of, diverse roles and an endearing personality...that’s Shri RajinikanthJi for you. It is a matter of immense joy that Thalaiva has been conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Congratulations to him."
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Rajini also responded to Modi's Tweet saying, "Immensely humbled and honoured with your greetings and the most prestigiousDadasaheb Phalke Awardaward respected and dearest Shri
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Rajini has also released an official statement written in Tamil, where he has thanked the Indian government and the honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Not just that, he also the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, the opposition party leader MK Stalin, my friend Kamal Haasan. He wrote, "I thank the Indian government and the honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conferring me Indian cinema's highest honour, Dada Saheb Phalke Award. I dedicate this award to my friend and bus driver Raj Bahadur, who discovered my acting talent and encouraged me, my elder brother Sathyanarayana Rao Gaekwad, who sacrificed a lot to make me an actor while struggling with poverty, My Guru K Balachander, who created this Rajinikanth, producers, directors, technicians, distributors, theatre owners, media, the Tamil people, who have given me my life, and my fans across the world. Long live Tamil people! Long live Tamil Nadu! Jai Hind!!"
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On the work front, Rajinikanth will next be seen in Siva's Annaatthe, the shooting is still going on in Chennai. The film features big stars like Nayanthara, Keerthy Suresh, Khushbu, Meena, Prakash Raj and Soori.
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