The Telugu Film Directors Association (TFDA) has conferred the prestigious Dasari National Award 2026 upon well-known filmmaker R. Balki for his significant contributions to Indian cinema. The TFDA also presented the Dasari Debut Director Award to young director Ram Jagadeesh for his critically acclaimed superhit film Court.

These awards, instituted in the name of Dasari Narayana Rao, aim to celebrate both established and upcoming directors, reinforcing the spirit of innovation and dedication that the ace director championed throughout his career.