Veteran Screen-writer Salim Khan will be honoured with a special award at the 49th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) for all his deserving contribution towards Indian cinema. Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Rajyavardhan Rathore on Monday, took to his Twitter to make the announcement.

The 83-year old will be felicitated with a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh, a certificate and a shawl. Salim Khan was born in Indore on November 24, 1935 and is known for penning acclaimed screenplays that have been blockbusters such as 'Sholay', 'Deewar', 'Zanjeer' and many others. He has also registered a memorable contribution as an actor in movies like 'Teesri Manzil', 'Sarhaadi Lootera' in 1966 and 'Diwaana'.

Khan is also known for being one half of the screenwriting duo of Salim-Javed, along with Javed Akhtar. The 49th edition of the festival will showcase 212 films, including 16 Oscar-nominated films, from over 68 countries. In this edition, Israel is the country of focus.

Ten films will be showcased in collaboration with the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai. The opening film for this section is The Other Story directed by Avi Nesher. A special presentation of Tunisian films will also be showcased. A special package for visually impaired children will also be organised with special screenings with the aid of audio description. The festival will even showcase 'Sholay' and 'Hichki' under this section.