Which of the following film personalities has not received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour in Indian cinema?

Introduction / Context:
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is considered the highest honour in Indian cinema. It is presented by the Government of India for lifetime contribution to Indian film. This question requires you to identify which personality among the options has not been honoured with this award, which tests both your awareness of film history and careful reading of the options.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is a lifetime achievement award in Indian cinema.
• We are given a list of well known film personalities.
• Only one of them has not received this award.

Concept / Approach:
The right strategy is to recognise the names that are strongly associated with this award. V Shantaram, Raj Kapoor, Ashok Kumar and Hrishikesh Mukherjee are all famous recipients of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Ramanand Sagar, though well known for television work such as the Ramayan serial, has not received this particular honour. Therefore he is the odd one out.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Dadasaheb Phalke Award honours lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. Step 2: Match V Shantaram with this award, as he was honoured for his long career in directing and producing films. Step 3: Recall that Raj Kapoor, a legendary actor and director, also received this award. Step 4: Remember that Ashok Kumar and Hrishikesh Mukherjee have likewise been honoured. Step 5: Conclude that Ramanand Sagar, though famous, has not been awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, so he is the correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative approach is to recall the main work of Ramanand Sagar, which is largely in television serials rather than exclusively in cinema. This makes it less likely for him to have received the top film award compared to the others, who are deeply connected with mainstream Indian films for decades.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
V Shantaram: A pioneering film director and producer who received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to Indian cinema.
Raj Kapoor: A legendary actor director and producer, he is a known recipient of the award.
Ashok Kumar: A senior actor who was honoured with this award for his long and distinguished acting career.
Hrishikesh Mukherjee: A celebrated director known for many classic films, and a recognised Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to choose a very old or very famous name without linking it to factual knowledge about awards. Another mistake is confusing popular television success with official government honours in cinema. Always separate fame from formal recognition and try to recall specific award announcements where possible.

Final Answer:
The personality among the options who has not received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award is Ramanand Sagar.