K Vishwanath, considered as one of the greatest directors of all-time in Telugu film industry, will be honored with Dadasaheb Phalke award for year 2016. Government of India announced the award today. Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest award in cinema field.

Kasinadhuni Viswanath, fondly called as Kalatapasvi for his great artistic achievement in film direction, made many classics that include 'Sankarabharanam (1979) and Sagara Sangamam (1983).

Viswanath's 'Swati Mutyam' starring Kamal Haasan was India's official entry to the 59th Academy Awards. His films won numerous National awards as well as Nandi awards. His films highlight traditional Indian music and dance forms. He also made movies that dealt with caste system and untouchablity.

He is also popular actor. Today's generation knows him more as actor. He was earlier honoured with Padma Shree by Government of India. He richly deserves the Phalke award as he has contributed to Indian cinema industry in many ways.