-3.jpg" align="left">“The
second phone call came from Samar Khan of NDTV. I asked both of them that if
they have personally learnt of the news why wasn’t I officially informed of it
by the concerned authorities. I also went to didi with this query, asking her
about the veracity of the news. She told me that it must be true because unlike
other awards where the winner is asked in advance, this one is announced once
and for all. Whether you receive it or reject it is upto you. And that made me
happy.
“I’m
also glad that the dailies and TV channels are busy organising my interviews. In
this week I have been talking so much that my voice has become hoarse. Honestly,
I have gone into hiding from the telephone onslaught. When a call comes for me,
the caller is informed that I am out of station. I received lots of accolades
but I can’t forget what Gulzarsaab wrote. He faxed me a congratulatory note
— ‘you have been raised to such a great height that it is difficult to meet
you. That’s why I send you my wishes via fax.’
“While
on Dadasaheb Phalke, I would like to say that without him our industry would not
have been what it is today. I am proud of him on two counts — one, the
pervading cirsumstances when he started filmmmaking, and two, because he was
also a Maharashtrian as I am. It is a proud feeling to be given an award that
bears his name.
 “Amrish
Puri rang me up and requested me to come to his association and be felicitated.
Many institutes also want to felicitate me. I gratefully told them all that it
is more than enough. That they have immense faith in me. I say this because I
know that honour and prestige are always shortlived. I have gone through a lot
of ups .....
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