Mumbai: Veteran actor Shashi Kapoor, the 46th recipient of the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award, could not make it to the 62nd National Film Awards due to ill health, but was recognised with a special documentary and a standing ovation by the audience.

President Pranab Mukherjee hailed Kapoor, the third in his family to get Indian cinema's highest award after father Prithviraj Kapoor and brother Raj Kapoor, as a "living legend". He said, "His contribution to cinema has been manifold and tremendous. He is a true living legend," the President said.

It was a proud moment for the Kapoors, and Shashi’s nephew Ranbir, made it even more special by screening a special video at the awards ceremony held at Delhi yesterday. He narrated the journey of the veteran actor-producer through a special video. Ranbir took up the role of a narrator and introduced him as an icon. He showcased the cinematic presence of Shashi in the form of some of his popular scenes and songs.

The auditorium was filled with roaring applause and cheers when popular songs from his movies like 'Wada karo nahi chhodo ge mera saath' and 'Ik rasta hai zindagi' was played. The video also included special messages by Shabana Azmi, Sharmila Tagore and Amitabh Bachchan, and family members Rishi Kapoor and his son Kunal Kapoor.