The State film awards for 2012 and 2013 were presented at a glittering function at the Maharaja College Grounds here on Saturday. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the awards, in various categories, to personalities from the Kannada film industry.
A large number of film enthusiasts thronged the venue to witness the event, which was hosted in Mysuru after a gap of 23 years.
The stage was specially designed suiting the city’s legacy and the backdrop had the multihued artworks resembling the interiors of the iconic Mysore palace.
Minister of State for Women and Child Development Umashree; Minister for Information and Public Relations R. Roshan Baig; Minister in charge of Mysuru district V. Srinivas Prasad; Minister for Social Welfare H. Anjaneya; and Minister for Cooperation H.S. Mahadeva Prasad were among the dignitaries present.
The Chief Minister presented the Lifetime Achievement Awards for 2012 to M. Bhaktavatsala (Dr. Rajkumar Award); C. Dattaraj (Puttanna Kanagal Award); and actor Rajesh (Dr. Vishnuvardhan Award).
The awards for 2013 were also conferred on actor Srinath (Dr. Rajkumar award); P.H. Vishwanath (Puttanna Kanagal Award); and K.V. Gupta (Dr. Vishnuvardhan Award).
These awards carry a purse of Rs. 2 lakh and a gold medal.
Srinath, in his address, thanked the government for bestowing the honour and said he was overjoyed to receive the award.
Bhaktavatsala, a veteran filmmaker, observed that the Kannada film industry must come up with good films and stay away from the remakes. “The golden days of Kannada film industry, which was in the 1970s, must return,” he said.
Among the popular film personalities who received the award include Darshan Toogudeepa (Best Actor for Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna – 2012) and Arjun Janya (Best Music Director for Alemari film – 2012).
Despite intermittent showers in the evening, film buffs had come in sizeable numbers to get the glimpse of their favourite stars. But, not many popular film stars turned up to the event to enthuse their fans.
Artistes from various districts enthralled the gathering with their performances.
A total of 60 awards in diverse categories had been scheduled for presentation.
A large number of film enthusiasts thronged the venue to witness the event, which was hosted in Mysuru after
a gap of 23 years
