The Telugu Film Directors Association (TFDA) celebrated “Directors’ Day” on the birth anniversary of the legendary filmmaker Dasari Narayana Rao by conferring the prestigious Dasari National Award 2026 upon acclaimed Bollywood director R. Balki. Known for his unique storytelling in films like Paa and Pad Man, Balki was recognized for his significant contributions to Indian cinema. Additionally, the TFDA presented the “Dasari Debut Director Award” to young filmmaker Ram Jagadish for his critically acclaimed work on the movie Court.
The award ceremony was a star-studded affair, attended by various icons of the Indian film industry, including veteran actors Mohan Babu, Jayasudha, and Jayaprada. Representatives from the Tamil and Kannada directors’ unions and the Cinematographers Association were also present, highlighting the pan-Indian significance of the event. During the ceremony, an emotional Mohan Babu paid a heartfelt tribute to his mentor, Dasari Narayana Rao, remembering his immense impact on the film fraternity.
While accepting the honor, R. Balki expressed his deep gratitude and stated that receiving an award named after a titan like Dasari is a matter of great pride. He lauded the Telugu film industry for evolving into the central hub of Indian cinema, attributing this success to the passion and refined taste of the Telugu audience. Balki noted that such initiatives by the TFDA serve as a powerful inspiration for future generations of filmmakers across the country.
