Heart is where art is

The State Film Awards 2013 have been announced and this year there is a break from the past few years as the awards lean towards `art house' films. For the last few years, with the selection panel headed by popular actors or film makers, it was commercial films that ruled the awards. This year, the jury headed by theatre person and veteran actor Prof GK Govindarao, all the three best films have gone to art films none of which saw commercial release.
Veteran actor Srinath has won the highest film award, the Dr Rajkumar Award for Lifetime Achievement which consists of Rs 2 lakh cash and a gold medal. The 70-year-old who made his film debut in 1967 continues his career in both films and television.With over 200 films under his belt, the actor once known for his romantic roles, gets the State honour. The highest award for a veteran director named after Puttanna Kanagal has been awarded to PH Vishwanath who was an assistant to Puttanna Kanagal himself in the late 1970s. Veteran producer, exhibitor and distributor KV Gupta, known as the `in-house economist' of Sandalwood has been conferred with the Dr Vishnuvardhan Lifetime Achievement award.
Nikhil Manju, who directed Hajj, has not only bagged the best actor award, but the film has been adjudged the first best film. He gets the HLN Simha award for director for this film. BM Giriraj-directed Jatta and Panchakshari-directed Prakruti bagged the second and third best film awards respectively.Vishal Raaj-directed Ingle Marga has bagged the award for film with social concern.
P Sheshadri's December 1 which bagged the best regional language national award has managed to win only one award for the best actress going to Niveditha. The best entertainer film has gone to R Chandru for his Charminar. Among commercial films, Lucia and Tony bagged two awards each while Chandra, Mynaa, Bhajarangi, Kaddipudi and Madarangi bagged one each.