Priyanka Chopra, Arjun Rampal receive National awards, VK Murthy bags Phalke award
87-year-old Murthy, who shot India's first cinemascope movie Kagaz Ke Phool is the first cinematographer to be given the Dada Saheb Phalke since its inception in 1969.
Priyanka Chopra and Arjun Rampal joined an elite club of winners today after being presented with the National Awards at a ceremony here which also saw veteran cameraman V K Murthy receiving the Dada Saheb Phalke amid a standing ovation from the audience. The 56th National Awards were given away by president Pratibha Patil.87-year-old Murthy, who shot India's first cinemascope movie Kagaz Ke Phool and best remembered for his stunning camera work for all films of legendary Guru Dutt, is the first cinematographer to be given the Phalke since its inception in1969.Priyanka, 28 received the Rajat Kamal Medal and a cash prize of Rs 50,000 for Best Actress for her role as an aspiring model in Fashion with her co-star Kangana Ranaut, also winning the award for Best Supporting Actress.
Rampal received the award for Supporting Actor for his role as a struggling musician in Rock On while the award for Best Actor was conferred on Upendra Limaye for the Marathi film Jogva. It is a first national award for Rampal, Priyanka and Kangana.Divya Dutta and Ashutosh Rana anchored the event.