Bangladesh, April 1 -- Versatile thespian Rajinikanth will be conferred this year's prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to Indian cinema. This was announced by the Indian government on Thursday.

"Happy to announce Dadasaheb Phalke award for 2020 to one of the greatest actors in history of Indian cinema Rajnikant ji. His contribution as actor, producer and screenwriter has been iconic," Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar tweeted.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest award in cinema. The recipient is honoured for their "outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema" and is selected by a committee consisting of eminent personalities from the Indian film industry. ...