New Delhi: Evergreen hero Dev Anand, the suave charmer of Hindi cinema for over half a century, was tonight (Dec 29, 2003) bestowed the highest film honour Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2003 for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema by President A P J Abdul Kalam.

Anand received a standing ovation at the glittering 50th National Film Awards ceremony comprising a galaxy of artists from the celluloid world as the octogenarian thespian was honoured by the President.

Amid thunderous applause, Anand walked up to the podium in his characteristic slanting style and his trademark 'Jewel Thief' cap to receive the award.

Even Kalam later observed that it was a "great joy" to bestow the honour on "Dev Saheb".