The Dadasaheb Phalke Award has come in late for Bollywood’s iconic villain Pran, says his daughter Pinky. Members of the film fraternity too feel the same.
The veteran actor, 93, was named for the honour Friday.
His daughter said: “Well it comes (very late), for him. It is very important also. We feel he deserves it so, of course, he should have got it (earlier).”
Besides Pinky, Bollywood celebrities like Anil Kapoor and Aadesh Srivastava, too share the sentiment.
“I think this honour has come too late for Pran saheb. I wish he had got it much earlier. But as it is said, ‘better late than never’,” said Anil.
Composer Aadesh Srivastava, said: “He (Pran) has got this honour very late. I think he is the most deserving person for this. We would have feel more happy if he would have got this honour during his active days, when he was acting.
“But its better late than never. The kind of characters Pran saheb has portrayed, are marvelous. Pran saheb should have got this honour much earlier, but I am still very happy.”
Beginning his career as a hero in 1940 with “Yamala Jat”, Pran went on to feature in films like “Milan”, “Madhumati” and “Kashmir Ki Kali”. He achieved fame by playing villain in several films.
Actress Chitrangada Singh believes Pran is an “iconic figure” for the younger generation
“I have seen his movies while I was growing up. He played the role of a villain of course, but he is a nice man and an absolute gentleman. He is just the opposite of his onscreen image,” she said.
Amitabh Bachchan, who shared screen space with Pran in films like Zanjeer, Don and Amar Akbar Anthony, also congratulated the actor.
“Pran saheb wins the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award… Much deserved… A true gentleman and a great friend… Wishing him continuous good health and many congratulations,” Bachchan wrote on Facebook.
“Pran saheb and I worked on many films together… A fine colleague to have on set, disciplined and punctual and most professional,” Bachchan added.
Congratulations Sir. Truly deserving and about time too. God bless
A great award for a great actor
Indicine. With all due respect, why wasn’t my last 2 comments published?
My previous 2 comments weren’t published, why?
Stupid thankless people. Be greatful they atleast awarded him. Instead of saying he deserved it before, have some humility and graciousness in accepting the honor.
@ jj, what would you do if you knew a person who deserved an award, but only got it at the fag end of his lifetime? People’s feelings is right in this regard, but no one is going overboard.
Don’t get over excited by the headlines, as it is just there to create sensation. The comments from stars were just natural, but media likes to give everything a twist and sensation.
By the way Amitabh should be always thanking Pran, for because of Pran only he got first Bombay to Goa and then Zanjeer. It was stepping stones for his stardom.
yeah.. I was just wondering.. why he hasn’t been honoured earlier!!!!!! did they forget him?!!!!!!!