The biggest names in Indian cinema will gather in New Delhi today for the 55th National Film Awards to be presented by President Pratibha Patil. From legendary singer Manna Dey to veteran director Adoor Gopalakrishnan to versatile actor Prakash Raj, a host of prominent faces will be honoured by the Government of India at a colourful function this evening.

Prakash Raj will take home the best actor award for his role in ‘Kanchivaram’. This category saw stiff competition from the likes of Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. Filmmaker Priyadarshan's Tamil film ‘Kanchivaram’, a period drama about silk weavers of the south, will receive the Best Feature Film award at the function.

Says Prakash Raj, “I am on cloud nine. It is a honour to be honoured by the President of India.” For Priyadarshan, the award would motivate him to make more such meaningful movies in the future.

While Manna Dey would be conferred the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award, director Adoor and actress Umashree, National Award winners for 2007, will collect their coveted trophies. Shah Rukh Khan-starrer ‘Chak De India’ will receive the award in Wholesome Entertainment Category.

Adoor will receive the Best Director's award for his film ‘Naalu Pennungal’. This will be his seventh National award. Seasoned Kannada film actor Umashree will be honoured with the Best Actress award for her performance in Girish Kasaravalli's Kannada film ‘Gulabi Talkies’, which depicts the transformation of the people of a small fishing village after their exposure to cinema.