State awardees felicitated by film journalists

The Karnataka film Journalists association had organized a colorful function to felicitate the state film award winners on Saturday at the Bangalore Press Club.

Crazy Star Ravichandran and Hatrick Hero Shivaraj Kumar who have won the prestigious Puttanna Kangal Award and the Best actor awards respectively were the major attractions during the function, while Pavithra Lankesh who won her first state award for her performance in "Naayi Neralu" seemed to be thrilled about the award.

Actress- Producer Jayamala and her husband H.M.Ramachandra, both of whom have won the awards were cynosure of eyes. Jayamala has won the award as the producer of the Best children film "Thuttoori", while her husband Ramachandra won the Best cinematographer award for the film "Nenapirali".

The colorful function was attended by top stars Ravichandran, Shivaraj Kumar, Pavithra Lokesh, Ms. Jayanthi, Vishnukanth (who acted in the lead role in the film Dr. B.R.Ambedkar), directors Baragooru Ramachandrappa, Rathnaja, Sharan, P.Sheshadri, Master Kishor, Producers Jayamala, state minister Nagaraja Shetty, Music Director Hamsalekha, Editor Manohar and many other top technicians who have won the prestigious awards this year. Jaggesh who has already rejected the award was conspicuous by his absence.

Ravichandran who has been selected for the prestigious Puttanna Kanagal award said that it was the reaction of many people in the film industry about his award that had moved him.

"When I got the news that I have been selected for the Puttanna Kanagal award, I was little surprised and had thought whether my life as a director was over since it was normally been given to retirees and veterans. But many of my well wishers in the industry and my press friends felt happy about the award. Their satisfaction and happiness made me to accept this award gracefully" said Ravichandran.

T.N.Seetharam who had headed the Jury committee for selection of state awards expressed his disappointment over the controversies on awards. "We have shown transparency over the way awardees were selected. And the selections have pleased many people. But I am sorry some small sections of the film industry are attributing motives without knowing the facts. The way it has attracted some criticism has really hurt me. I thought we have done the best in a tough and thankless job. Now, I have decided not accept any such assignment in future" said T.N.Seetharam.