Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu today lauded renowned actor-director Kasinadhuni Viswanath on being named for the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award for his outstanding contribution to the film industry. <br/><br/>He hailed him as a "guiding force". The Information and Broadcasting Minister told a press conference in New Delhi that the award is conferred by the Indian government for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. <br/><br/>He said Viswanath deserves the Award. He said the committee has made a recommendation and he has accepted it as the minister in-charge. <br/><br/>He is icon in the film industry and known for classical and traditional art, music and dance, Naidu said.'<br/>'<br/>87-year-old Viswanath became the 48th recipient of the award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, which consists of a golden lotus, a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs and a shawl.<br/>'<br/>The award for the year 2016 will be conferred by President Pranab Mukherjee at a function on May 3 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.<br/><br/>''''''<br/>