Veteran poet and film lyricist Gulzar has been chosen for the coveted Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2013, the ministry of information and broadcasting announced here Saturday.

The multi-faceted Gulzar, whose given name is Sampooran Singh Kalra, is a lyricist, director, screen writer, producer and poet. He is the 45th winner of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

The award is conferred by the Indian government for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.