New Delhi, Dec 12 (IANS): Veteran actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha will receive a lifetime achievement award for his contribution to Indian cinema and politics at the second edition of the Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF), starting here Dec 21.

The 68-year-old, a Bharatiya Janata Party leader, will be awarded for his valuable contribution to Indian cinema and politics, said a statement.

The actor, who turned a year older Dec 9, has been a part of the film industry since 1970. Lovingly called Shotgun, he is known for films like "Kalicharan", "Blackmail", "Dostana" and "Shaan". Later, he ventured into politics.

He is married to actress Poonam Sinha and they have a daughter Sonakshi who is also an actress and twins - Luv and Kush.

DIFF 2013 will open with the screening of Sri Lankan film "Sri Siddhartha Gautama" based on the life of Gautam Buddha.

The fest's forthcoming edition promises to feature over 170 films in as many as 18 categories.

Rekha and Farooque Sheikh-starrer "Umrao Jaan", directed by Muzaffar Ali, will have a special screening.

A total of 25 awards will be distributed at the gala under categories such as best film, best world film, NRI films, face of the year, singer of the year, band of the year and poet of the year.

The festival will conclude Dec 27 with the screening of director Ariel Cohen's film "Take Mama" from Israel, and the awards ceremony.