Special honours
1990 — Padma Shri
2004 — All the awards presented to him were for his artistic talent.
He got the first Abraham Kovoor National Award for his Humanist Activities and Secular Life in 2004. 
2005 — Honorary Doctorate 
2009 — FICCI Living Legend

National Film Awards 
1960 — Best Child Artist for Kalathur Kannamma 
1982 — Best Actor Award for Moondram Pirai 
1987 — Best Actor Award for Nayagan 
1996 — Best Actor Award for Indian 

Filmfare Awards

Hindi
1986 — Best Actor Award for Saagar 
1998 — Best Story Award for Virasat 

Kannada
1988 — Best Actor Award for Pushpak 

Malayalam
1974 — Best Actor Award for Kanyakumari 
1978 — Best Actor Award for Yaetta 

Tamil
1975 — Best Actor Award for Apoorva Sagodharargal 
1976 — Best Actor Award for Oru Oodhappu Kan Simittugiradhu 
1977 — Best Actor Award for 16 Vayadhinile 
1978 — Best Actor Award for Sigappu Rojakal 
1981 — Best Actor Award for Raja Paarvai 
1991 — Best Actor Award for Guna 
1992 — Best Actor Award for Thevar Magan 
1995 — Best Actor Award for Kuruthipunal 
1996 — Best Actor Award for Indian 
2000 — Best Actor Award for Hey Ram 

Telugu
1981 — Best Actor Award for Aakali Rajyam 
1983 — Best Actor Award for Sagara Sangamam 
1989 — Best Actor Award for Indrudu Chandrudu 

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
1996 — Best Actor Award for Indian 
2006 — Best Actor Award for Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu 

Nandi Awards
1983 — Best Actor Award for Saagara Sangamam 
1986 — Best Actor Award for Swathi Muthyam 
1989 — Best Actor Award for Indrudu Chandrudu 

Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival
2004 — Best Film Award for Virumaandi