Speaking to Express Newsline today, FFI president G Hanumantha Rao stated that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has been ignoring the FFI's recommendations ever since the award was instituted. ``We have stopped suggesting names in 1995 since the government is in the habit of choosing its own favoured candidates.''

"When the Dadasaheb Phalke award was instituted it was decided to give the award for the film makers for their outstanding contribution to the development of cinema. But the government converted it into lifetime achievement award to select Devika Rani for the coveted award in 1969. Seniority is never taken into consideration while awarding,'' he pointed out.In 1985, V Shantaram was given the Phalke award while his discovery Durga Khote was given the same award three years before her mentor for her role inAyodhyacha Raja. Even Satyajit Ray received the award one year before Shantaram though the latter's contribution to cinema dates back to 1921. ``Since the choice is left to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Phalke award has become a political award,'' an FFI official added.