MUMBAI: Veteran filmmaker K. Balachander has been conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2010.

The award is conferred by the Government of India for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. The award consists of a Swarn Kamal, a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs and a shawl. The award is given on the recommendations of a committee of eminent persons.

Balachander has been film director, screenplay writer and producer for more than 45 years. He has written, directed and produced more than 100 films in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada.

Balachander is known for his distinct film-making style. The films he scripts and directs analyze unusual or complicated inter-personal relationships and social themes. Balachander has the uncanny knack of spotting talent. He has been responsible for bringing into limelight many stars of the present day, including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Prakashraaj and Vivek.