NEW DELHI: Amitabh Bachchan, 76, will receive the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award – India’s highest film honour – this year, tweeted union minister Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday evening. “The legend Amitabh Bachchan, who entertained and inspired for two generations, has been selected unanimously for Dadasaheb Phalke Award. The entire country and international community is happy. My heartiest congratulations to him,” Mr Javadekar wrote in his tweet. Filmmaker Karan Johar was one of the first celebs to congratulate Mr Bachchan on Twitter.

“The most inspiring legend of Indian cinema! He is a bona-fide rockstar! I am honoured and proud to be in the era of Amitabh Bachchan. The prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award to Amitabh Bachchan!” read Mr Johar’s tweet.

Anil Kapoor also congratulated Mr Bachchan on Twitter:

Last year, at the 65th National Awards, Vinod Khanna was posthumously honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Amitabh Bachchan has also won four National Film Awards for Best Actor through his illustrious career, last winning it for his performance in 2015 film Piku. Amitabh Bachchan currently appears on TV as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati 11. He was last seen in crime-thriller Badla.

Get Breaking news, live coverage, and Latest News from India and around the world on NDTV.com. Catch all the Live TV action on NDTV 24×7 and NDTV India. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram for latest news and live news updates.