Amitabh Bachchan to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award on Dec 29

Bollywood Superstar Amitabh Bachchan, this year's recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, will receive the award on December 29, according to Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar.

At the end of the National Film Awards ceremony here on Monday, Mr Javadekar told media persons that Big B would receive the award at a post-awards reception at the President's residence on Sunday.

Mr Bachchan could not attend Monday's ceremony due to ill health.

Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu on Monday presented the 66th National Film Awards under different categories at a function held here in Vigyan Bhawan.

At the beginning of the awards ceremony, it was announced that Bachchan, who has been named as the recipient of the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award, is unable to attend the ceremony due to ill health.

Earlier on Sunday, Mr Bachchan, in a tweet, stated that he will not be able to attend the prestigious award ceremony because he is "down with fever" and that he is not allowed to travel.

"Down with fever... Not allowed to travel. Will not be able to attend National Award tomorrow in Delhi. So unfortunate, my regrets," Big B tweeted.

Mr Bachchan has won four National Film Awards for Best Actor through his illustrious career, last winning it for his performance in 2015 film Piku. Big B was last seen as a host on the TV quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati 11. Badla, co-starring Taapsee Pannu, remains his last release.