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Satyajit Ray
This extraordinary Indian Filmmaker was born on 2 May 1921 in Calcutta. Satyajit Ray was a cultural icon of Bengali communities and in 20th century he was recognized worldwide as one of the most talented filmmakers.
His films are grounded on historical drama and most of them are based on science fiction. Primarily he refused to produce films other than Bengali language. Ray directed 36 films as a commercial artist. He was an Independent filmmaker and his films include documentaries, feature films & shorts stories. He was a great film critic, publisher, music composer, fiction writer & graphic designer. He also authored several novels, short stories primarily targeted to small children. His 1st film, Pather Panchali in 1955, won 11 International prizes, as well as the Best Human Document (1956) at Cannes Film Festival.
In his whole career he was awarded with many major awards which include 32 Indian National Film Awards and in 1979, with the Honourable Prize at eleventh Moscow International Film. Ray was awarded with the Honorary Academy Award (the Oscars) in 1992. He was also honoured with Bharat Ratna in 1992 for his incredible contribution to Indian Cinema. On 23th April, 1992 the great legend of Indian Cinema passed away.
Bharat Ratna Award
The highest civilian award of the Republic of India is known as BHARAT RATNA. It came into existence on 2nd January 1954. The award was in recognition of extraordinary performance in the field of literature, science, public services, and arts only. This award belongs to all people of India without any discrimination of sex, race, and age. Previously award belonged to only limited criteria but in December 2011 the criteria were changed to include all fields of human endeavour.
Maximum 3 nominees may be awarded per year and recommendations for the same are specially made by the PM to the President. A Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion in the shape of a peepal leaf are the only two things being given to the recipients; no money is granted with the award.
In the Indian order of precedence, the Bharat Ratna award comes in the seventh position. But Bharat Ratna recipients are constitutionally prohibited to use the award name as the title as per Article 18 of the Constitution of India.
Since 1954, 44 distinguished individuals have been awarded this prestigious and highest civilian award in the country.
Get the list of Bharat Ratna Awardees by clicking here.
