Hyderabad: Born on February 19, 1930, at Gudivada in Andhra Pradesh, K. Viswanath was awarded the Padmasri in 1992 and has won five National Awards, 20 Nandi Awards and 10 Filmfare Awards, including one for Lifetime Achievement.
Asked whether he wants to continue as an actor or he is thinking about returning to direction, he said, “I am not thinking anything at present as I want to be just K. Viswanath.”
Congratulations flowed in thick and fast from the Telugu film industry after the Phalke Award was announced.
Chiranjeevi, Kamal Haasan, Jr NTR and many other actors and directors wished him for an honour that hails Telugu cinema as well.
“Rare honour for Kalatapasvi K Viswanath and it’s a proud moment for Telugu cinema,” Jr NTR tweeted.
“A deserving accolade for a brilliant filmmaker & an honour for Telugu Cinema,” said Nandamuri Kalyan-ram.
“We feel happy that the Dada Saheb Phalke Award has been given to K. Viswanath. He is a proud personality for the Telugu film industry,” Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan.
“My K. Viswanath gaaru is a Dada Saheb Phalke award winner. In his humility he would say ‘I am lucky’. Truth is, Indians are lucky. So am I. Thank u with glistening eyes Viswanath gaaru for Sagara sangamam. Like Balu of SS I initiate more applause. Your fame is mine vice versa,” Kamal Haasan.
