Mumbai, April 14 (IANS): Contrary to his big screen image of a villain, in real life Pran is a "gentleman" with an immense attitude to "professional behaviour", says Amitabh Bachchan and adds that he is happy that the 93-year-old has been named for the Dadasaheb Phalke award.

Besides working together in the 1973 blockbuster "Zanjeer", Big B and Pran teamed up in "Don", "Amar Akbar Anthony", "Kaalia" and "Sharaabi".

Sharing his experience of working with Pran, Big B wrote on his blog: "A gentleman to the core, who had great respect for his colleagues, and an immense attitude to professional behaviour. Never late on the sets, despite the heavy make up that he invariably had to indulge in. Never ever interfered with the work in progress, and surprisingly there were many occasions when he never saw the films he worked in."

"There was never any fuss about him. I never saw or heard him raise his voice towards anyone, or disagree with what he had to do in front of the camera. He came well prepared, delivered and quietly went home," he added.

He wishes Pran good health, as the veteran actor was not keeping well lately.

"My joy at him getting this award is boundless. A most deserving recognition. I wish him good health and happiness always," he wrote.

Pran began his career as a hero in 1940 with "Yamala Jat", but became a big name after playing negative roles in "Milan", "Madhumati", "Ziddi" and "Kashmir Ki Kali". Later in his career, he ventured into character roles and wowed everyone as Malang Chacha in "Upkar" and Khan friend in "Zanjeer".