The uncertainty over Pran finally receiving this year's Dadasaheb Phalke Award still looms large, as the deciding committee behind it is yet to convene for a meeting

While the film industry is eager that veteran actor Pran's name be announced as the recipient for this year's Dadasaheb Phalke Award, it is learnt that the deciding committee behind this is yet to meet.

As Supran Sen of Film Federation of India tells us, "The decision is taken by the committee that includes past recipients like Dilip Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar and Yash Chopra to name some. Probably because they haven't met yet, that's why the announcement is pending."

Apart from Pran, actors Soumitra Chatterjee from Bengal and E Nageshwar Rao from the South are under consideration for this year's award. Director Rohan Sippy feels that awarding people who excel in their fields early, would encourage people to follow their idols in those fields.

"Besides, the sooner our legends are awarded, the better they can enjoy the honour with their family and friends," he says, adding that things should not be too delayed before it's too late. In the same vein, Supran Sen says that the initial rule - of giving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award to those who had retired, was changed to honour them while they were still active in their fields of work.

"Receiving the honour from the President of India is a once in a lifetime opportunity. So after lyricist Pradeep received it while on wheelchair, the rule was changed and we had Satyajit Ray being given the award while he was still active," says Sen.

However Raza Murad points out that Pran retired from movies in 1998. "So why hasn't he been honoured in the last 14 years?" he wonders, reiterating that no one deserves this year's Dadasaheb Phalke Awards more than the veteran actor.

Further, he also feels a committee of 11 responsible people from the industry should be formed, specially for deciding the Dadasaheb Phalke Awards. On the other hand, Sen tells us that since the award ceremony is scheduled for May 3, the committee still has time to meet and decide. "Hopefully, they'll meet soon and arrive at a decision," he states.