Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan on Monday said Indians are lucky to have filmmaker K. Vishwanath, who will be conferred the Dada Saheb Phalke Award, the country's highest award in cinema.

"My K. Viswanath gaaru is a Dada Saheb Phalke Award winner. In his humility, he would say aI am lucky'. Truth is Indians are lucky. So am I," he tweeted.

Winner of multiple National Awards, Vishwanath has directed 50 films, known for their strong content, endearing narrative, honest handling and cultural authenticity.

Kamal and Viswanath had worked together in memorable Telugu films such as "Swati Mutyam" and "Sagara Sangamam".

For his performance in "Sagara Sangamam", Kamal won Filmfare Award for best actor.

"Thank you with glistening eyes Viswanath gaaru for 'Sagara Sangamam'. Like Balu of 'Sagara Sangamam', I initiate more applause. Your fame is mine and vice versa," he added.

The National award winning drama "Swati Mutyam (The White Pearl)" was India's official entry to the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Film category in 1987.