K. Balachander, the veteran film maker has been selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2010 for his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema. The award carries a Swarn Kamal, a cash prize of 10 lakh rupees and a shawl. It is given on the recommendations of a committee of eminent persons. K Balachander has been the film director, screen play writer and producer of films for than 45 years. He has written, directed and produced more than 100 films in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada. AIR correspondent reports that Shri K. Balachander is known for his distinct film-making style. The films he scripts and directs analyze unusual inter-personal relationships and social themes. Shri Balachander has been responsible for bringing into limelight many stars of the present day, including Rajnikanth, Kamal Haasan and Prakashraaj. Shri Balachander entered the film industry in 1965. He has bagged five National Film Awards and was conferred the Padma Shri in 1987. He also won numerous state awards and film fare awards.