The 73-year-old director has made 14 feature films, all of which have received wide critical acclaim. Benegal's career began with Ankur in 1974, which broke new ground in the cinematic trends in '70s.

The core subjects of Benegal's films, including Nishant, Bhoomika, Manthan, Junoon, Arohan, Suraj Ka Satwan Ghoda, Mandi, Kalyug, Sardari Begum, The Making of the Mahatma, Mammo, Zubeida and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose: the Lost Hero, have been varied in nature but centre around human relationships in the changing socio-economic realities.

Besides feature films, Benegal has made several documentaries on subjects ranging from cultural anthropology, problems of industrialisation and legendary personalities like Satayajit Ray. He has also directed popular television serials.

A teacher of mass communication techniques between 1966 and 1973 and Chairman of Film and Television Institute of India during 1980-83 and 1989-92, Benegal also directed a 53-part television series on the history of India based on Jawaharlal Nehru's famous book The Discovery of India.

Benegal, a nominated member of the upper house of Indian Parliament, has already won Indian government's civilian awards like Padma Shri in 1976 and Padma Bhushan in 1991.

There is a popular perception that Dada Saheb Phalke award is given to individuals who are in the twilight zone of their film careers. But the good news for film enthusiasts is that Benegal does not think the award signals the end of the line for him.

"The show must go on", a beaming Benegal told reporters minutes after the receiving the news.

The award carries a cash prize of Rs 200,000, a golden lotus and a shawl.

Benegal's forthcoming project is a film on the life of Noor Inayat Khan, Tipu Sultan's descendant who was the first spy of Indian origin, working for the Allies during World War II.

The proposed film is based on The Spy Princess, a novel by London-based Indian writer Shrabani Basu.