NEW DELHI: Bollywood veteran actor-director Manoj Kumar, best known for his patriotic films Purab Aur Paschim, Upkar and Kranti, will be conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke award for his contribution to the film industry.

The 78-year-old actor became the 47th recipient of the award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema which consists of a golden lotus, a cash prize of INRs 10 lakhs and a shawl.

The actor is best known for his films Hariyali Aur Raasta, Woh Kaun Thi?, Himalaya Ki God Mein, Do Badan, Upkar, Patthar Ke Sanam, Purab Aur Paschim, Shaheed, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan and Kranti.

Kumar was born as Harikrishna Giri Goswami in Abbottabad, which was then a part of Pre-Independent India.

He initially started as a romantic hero following his debut in 1960 with Kaanch Ki Gudia but later shifted focus to acting and directing films with patriotic themes so much so that fans started calling him Bharat Kumar.

The actor won a India’s National Film Award for Upkaar and was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1992.