Union Sports Minister and noted actor Sunil Dutt will be felicitated by the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy on April 30, the birth anniversary of the father of Indian cinema.

Addressing a press conference last evening, organising committee chairman Chandrashekhar and Academy trustee Ramgopal Gupta said apart from Mr Dutt, 47 other old timers from the film industry, including actors and technicians, will be felicitated.

Among them is 90 year old Ramesh Rai, who was the spot boy of ''Alam Ara'', India's first talkies film. He too would be felicitated, Chandrashekhar said.

He rued that Phalke had been forgotten by the Government and the film industry. The Academy was started with the purpose of perpetuating his legacy.

The function will be held at the Goregaon film city which is known as the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari.