Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
ANR National Award to Padmashri Dr.K. Balachander
AKKINENI INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION Announced 6th ANR Award for the year of 2010. The Awardee is Padmashri Dr. K. BALACHANDER – Writer, Director & Producer Will be honored with Memento, Citation & Rs. 4 Lakhs Award presentation Ceremony will be held on 11th January, 2011 At Shilpakala Vedika, Shilparamam, Madhapur, Hyderabad.
Previous Awardees of The AKKINENI NAGESWARA RAO AWARD
5th Awardee : Bharat Ratna Dr. LATAMANGESHKAR - Playback Singer
Year - 2009 Honored with Memonto, Citation & Rs. 4 Lakhs Cash
4th Awardee : Padmashri Dr. VYJAYANTIMALA BALI - Natyakala Sikhamani
Year - 2008 Actress - Honored with Memonto, Citation & Rs. 4 Lakhs కాష్
3rd Awardee : Smt. ANJALI DEVI - Actress & Producer
Year - 2007 Honored with Memonto & Rs. 4 Lakhs కాష్
2nd Awardee : Padmashri SHABANA AZMI – Actress & Social Activist
Year - 2006 Honored with Memonto, Citation & Rs. 3 Lakhs Cash
1st Awardee : Padmabhushan Dadasaheb Phalke Awardee Sri DEV ANAND
Year - 2005 Honored with Memonto, Citation & Rs. 3 Lakhs Cash
About Akkineni Nageswara Rao National Award
CELEBRATING CINEMA!
In Moments of reflection, I am amaged with the path my life had taken. Eight decades of trials and tribulations, agony and ecstasy reels through my mind. A career that I had never anticipated – rare and unique, laced with opportunity and challenge. It was a path that had transformed a psyche of simple farm hand into one in an ambience of Art.
The arduous trek, from my village to an incomplete schooling, the responsibilities of household chores as the youngest child, visits to the meadows stretching into the horizon. What was my destiny? My life was the answer. Hard work, commitment, sincerity and integrity – values that would never fail any individual.
I arrived at Madras, with a vague sense of anticipation, amphora and hope, on the 8th day of May, 1944 into the punch of cultural shock. It was not disappointing but a revelation. I was invariably presented with the right path at every step. Was it luck or determination? I surmise it is a combination of both.
I was accepted, encouraged and elevated in a developing world of Cinema. From time to time, I was offered that reflected the trend of those times – a folk lore hero, a social heart throle, a romantic Prince or a tortured soul driven into a drunken tragedy. There were over 250 films since 1940 – a good portion of them touching the hearts of the audience.
Every success indicated my confidence and every challenge motivated me to face adversity with courage and determination. I had the great privilege in partnering the development of the Telugu film Industry. The stakeholders reposed unflinching faith in me and offered me challenging roles without hesitation. Success gushed forth in abundance – fame and awards followed.
The world of Cinema has made me what I am today – a hero and, more importantly, an individual. Invitations from the Governments of the United States of America, Britain, France, Germany and Russia, as an ambassador of Indian Cinema exposed me to the world of different cultures. It had broadened my horizon and imported certain clarity of thought. I have a closely knit family – a noble wife, able children and affectionate grandchildren – all a source of joy. What else does one want?
Where are these gifts from? Far some they were God’s; for me they were a blessing of my foster mother – the silver screen. The industry nurtured me as a wide eyed teenager. It taught me discipline and the facts of life, both as an artiste and an individual. To her i owe a debt that I cannot repay.
I was invited in 1991 to Delhi to receive the Dada Saheb Phalke Award. The imposing hall, in all its regalia, was adorned with several dignitaries. I climbed those steps to the dais with humility and respect to be greeted by the President of India. Those were poignant moments. A sense of gratitude pervaded my being – gratitude for my industry that had me facing the Nation, represented by its President.
The awards I had received earlier – Padmasri and Padmabhushan, Raghupathi Venkaiah Award and NTR National Film Award from Andhra Pradesh, Anna Award from the Madhya Pradesh, Honorary Doctorates from Universities and more were given to me as an Artiste. However, this Award was also for my contribution to the development of the Film Industry.
It was during these moments that a thought struck me. I had to pay obeisance to the industry; I should institute an Award as a taken offering towards a debt of gratitude. I had similar feelings earlier. I had missed formal education which has left me longing for it. I, therefore, donated to establish ANR College, near my native place. Instituted scholarships in all South Indian Universities and Bombay University. I partnered in the production of value based films and built Annapurna Studios at the expenses of a personal fortune. I, however, had to honour my colleagues who had made outstanding individual contribution to the Movie Industry.
THE AKKINENI INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION was established. It will take up activities to recognize and encourage those who excel in various arms of the industry. It also will institute an Award for Excellence in dedicating one’s life towards service to our medium.
This is the culmination of more than six decades of a career in eight decades of life. This adds up to fulfilling a promise, I made to my conscience. I sincerely hope that this Award will transcend a feeling that here is one whose heart and soul are with Cinema and with those who serve its cause.
Cinema is a prolific, pervasive and persuasive medium of mass entertainment. It is a cementing force in a world of stress and strife. It will live forever. The AKKINENI NAGESWARA RAO AWARD, I hope, will also live forever – celebrating Cinema with honesty and dignity. I, too, wish to live forever with my little deed – MY AWARD.
AKKINEENI NAGESWARA RAO
Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao Profile
Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao
was born on 20th September 1924 to Smt. Punnamma and Sri Venkataratnam in Venkataraghavapuram, Gudivada Taluk, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh.
Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao, the matinee idol of Andhra Pradesh, hailed from a lower middle class farmer's family. From paddy field, he strode into the field of fine arts - the theatre. He became a rage on the stage-as a heroine in the dramas of the day: Harishchandra, Kanakatara, Vipranarayana, Telugu Talli, Aasajyoti and Satyanveshanam. He became the 'Glamour Queen' and from there made a quick jump to another extreme - playing hero on the screen.
He made his debut, as a fifteen-year-old boy in the film 'Dharmapatni' released on 10th January 1941.
A unique feature in the career of Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao that endeared him to the millions of art lovers and made him an unforgettable hero for more than six decades is that he lived in the role of the greatest cultural and literary celebrities like Mahakavi Kalidasa, Bhakta Jayadeva, Amarasilpi Jakkanna, Vipranarayana, Bhakta Tukaram, Mahakavi Kshetrayya, Chakradhari (Gora Kumbar), Tenali Ramakrishna and many more that have become immortal. Making his first debut as hero as Lord Sri Rama in the film SITARAMA JANANAM, he excelled in mythological roles as Abhimanyu in MAYA BAZAR, Maha Vishnu in CHENCHU LAKSHMI. Arjuna in KRISHNAARJUNA YUDHAM, Narada in BHOOKAILAS and KRISHNA MAYA - and every film was a great success. With an equal versatility, he proved himself as the Tragedy King in the romantic and perceptible films like laila Majnu, Anarkali, Batasari (Sarat's Badi Deedi), Mooga Manasulu, Prema Nagar, Premabhishekam, Meghasandesam - to name a few and all have become ever memorable with his outstanding performance. He has also been acclaimed as the charming youth in rural oriented films like Balaraju, Rojulu Marayi, Nammina Bantu etc.
His portrayal as Devadas (Sa rat's) has won him world acclaim.
In playing comedy roles too In films like Chakrapani, Missamma and Preminchi Choodu, he made a striking mark in the hearts of viewers, Majority of his innumerable social films like Samsaram, Aradhana, Bratuku Teruvu, Dongaramudu, Dr.Chakravarti, Ardhangi, Mangalya Balam, lIIarikam, Santi Nivasam, Dasara Bullodu, Velugu Needalu, Bharya Bhartalu, Dharmadata, Bahudurapu Batasari and so many have made a remarkable impact on the movie lovers who cherish his performance, even though ages pass by. The splendid performance in the film 'NAVARATRI' in which he portrayed all the NAVARASAS with an equal felicity bears testimony to his command over action as an Artiste. He was justifiably honoured as the Architect of Telugu Screen's Golden Age and remained a heartthrob of millions.
It is an interesting coincidence that in the Golden Jubilee Year of his film career, the film 'Sitaramaiah Gari Manavaralu' released on 11 th January 1991 with Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao as Hero, received encomiums from one and all. During more than six fruitful decades of his film career, he has so far acted in 252 films (225 Telugu, 26 Tamil and 1 Hindi) and two films (Telugu) are now (2005) under progress. Most of them were Box Office hits and acclaimed as outstanding in their aesthetic and entertainment values.
Dr, Nageswara Rao was adjudged as the Best Actor umpteen number of times by the Film Fans' Associations of Andhra and ChennaL besides several cultural and other institutions and in the ballots conducted by several esteemed magazines.
Never, perhaps, in the history of any film world, could there be seen a hero like Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao with credits for so many varieties of roles each placing a challenge before him and ultimately melting down before his talent. From the charming prince to a frustrated lover, valiant soldier to a holy saint and from a college student to a composed collector, Dr. Akkineni left no type of character untouched and touched no character unadorned with utmost skill in performance that led him from a humble beginning to the highest national level.
Dr. Akkineni Nageswar Rao was the first Chairman of the Board of Directors of Annapurna Pictures Private Limited which has produced many successful films - both in Telugu and Tamil. He was also the Founder of Mis. Chakravarti Chitra which pledged to bring out mainly message-oriented, educational and experimental films and produced 'SUDI GUNDALU' and 'MARO PRAPANCHAM', One of his greatest achievements is the creation of ANNAPURNA STUDIOS - a synonym of beauty and a cynosure of all eyes - inaugurated by the then President of India, Dr. Faqruddin Ali Ahmed. Under its banner, movies of healthy entertainment and social purpose are regularly produced both in Telugu and Hindi.
The farm boy, who never imagined that he would cross the borders of his village or district, toured all over the world as an ambassador of art and culture. Dr. Nageswara Rao was invited as a State Guest by the United States of America, England, France and Germany in 1964 and USSR in 1972 besides some other countries in the continent to study the Film Craft and Theatre Arts in the respective countries. He had visited Australia in 1967 leading the delegates for the Indian Entry Film, ANTASTHULU, at the Sydney Film Festival. He also led a high level Film Delegation to Mauritius. All through the world, the people felicitated Dr. Akkineni with love and honour.
Apart from the artistic interest, his abiding concern for the industrialization of our country for the welfare of its people prompted him to establish many industries, He has founded the Annapurna Pulverising Mills and Annapurna Flour Mills at Eluru. He was responsible for starting Annapurna Enterprises which comprises Luminiphor Grade Chemicals Division also. He was founder of a once leading film distribution concern - Annapurna Films. He was responsible for starting Annapurna Lithographics at Hyderabad.
Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao had also served as a Director on the Board of the National Film Development Corporation of India, besides the Boards of other esteemed institutions.
Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao has been generous towards educational institutions since the beginning of his career. All along, he was regretting that he could not go to school and college. Even at the pinnacle of alround success, he did not forget what education meant in one's life. He wanted to create opportunities for anyone who needed support for educational pursuits. As such he set apart a part of his income for promotion of education.
As far back as in 1957 he donated a considerable sum to Andhra University. He was the Chief Donor and President of the College at Gudivada, which was rightly named after him as AKKINENI NAGESWARA RAO COLLEGE. Being a champion of the cause of education, he created scholarships in the Universities of Andhra, Madras, Sri Venkateswara, Osmania, Bangalore, Kerala and Bombay for awarding to the needy and deserving students. Apart from his being a Life Member of the Senate of Andhra University, he is also Adviser to the Department of Dramatics and Theatre Arts. On many an occasion, he took initiative and gave many performances for raising funds to various colleges and schools.
Dr. Nageswara Rao never lagged behind in the service of the Nation. During the period of Chinese aggression, he took the lead and toured all over Andhra Pradesh along with other artistes and Members of Film Trade and contributed his mite in a big way, At the time of Pakistani aggression, he was responsible for presenting a huge amount in aid of Jawan's Benevolent Fund and during Bangladesh War, he presented considerable amount to the Prime
. Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi. with the co-operation and participation of co-artistes, technicians and film producers.
Apart from being the leading Hero for over six fruitful decades, Dr. Nageswara Rao has been a prolific writer. The memories of his visit to USA (NENU CHUSINA AMERICA), his autobiographical work (NENU NAA JEEVITHAM), about his Directors (VAN DAN AMABHIVANDANAM - NENU NA DARSAKULU) and books of lyrical expression (AA-AA-LU-THOUGHTS OF AKKINENI) mark him as an expressive writer with a stream of consciousness.
Service has its own honour. The Nation showered all types of honours and awards on Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Roo. He was awarded NATA SAMRAT (Supreme in acting talents - THE EMPEROR OF ARTISTES) in the year 1957 at Vijayawada from the hands of the then Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Bezawada Gopala Reddy on behalf of the people of Andhra Pradesh before the elite. He was honoured by the President of India with PADMASREE in 1968. The Andhra University conferred on him an Honorary Doctorate Degree of KAlAPRAPOORNA in the year 1977. He was again honoured by the President of india with the Award of PADMABHUSHAN. a rare privilege. in the year 1988. The Government of Andhra Pradesh honoured him with the prestigious RAGHUPATI VENKAIAH AWARD for 1989 in the year 1990, Andhra Pradesh is proud of him as he was the first South Indian Artiste to have been honoured with the coveted DADA SAHEB PHAlKE AWARD for 1991 for his outstanding service to the film field. For the year 1994 the Government of Andhra Pradesh elected him as BEST HERO for the film' Bangaru Kutumbam' even at his advanced age. The year 1996 brought him many accolades. He was the first recipient of 'NTR NATIONAL FilM AWARD' (highest cash award) instituted by Government of Andhra Pradesh. The Government of Madhya Pradesh honoured him with "KALIDASA KOWSTHUBH" Award in 1997. The Telugu film industry felicitated him for his integrated contribution to film industry. All Cuitural Associations of Hyderabad - Secunderabad joined together and honoured Dr, Akkineni with all the grandeur for his distinguished and outstanding services to Arts in particular and to society in general. His success story Is not incidental - it Is the fruit of seven decades dedicated service at the altar of Art. The list that follows galore with what all he received till date. In 2004. he received the award GREAT SON OF THE Soil from All India Conference of Intellectuals. Meerut.
Annapurna. daughter of Sri K.venkatanarayana. garlanded Dr.Akkineni Nageswara Rao as his bride in the year 1949 and they became proud parents of children. Mr, Venkat Akkineni. MBA from USA is a Film Producer and businessman and Mr. Akkineni Nagarjuna. MS (Industrial Engineering) from USA is the leading Hero in Telugu and is regarded as the craze of new generation with astounding success in films. Smt. Annapurna and Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao are blessed with nine grand children of whom Mr. Sumanth (son of eldest daughter) is also a Hero in Telugu film industry.
Some. it is said. are born great. Some achieve greatness and on some greatness is thrust, Of the three. the greatest is the man who achieves it: and greatest still is the one who does so. turning every stumbling block into a stepping stone to progress and carving even marks of failure into contours of success. Dr, Nageswara Rao belongs to this category of world personalities.
Dr. Nageswara Rao has been on the highest ebb as an unrivalled and uncrowned evergreen Hero for the past more than six decades and would scale more dizzy heights with his inimitable histrionic talents. His ideals. tenacity. hard work. discipline have brought respect. name and fame to the institution of cinema itself and have endeared him to the millions of art lovers. The golden path that lay before him for many more years to come. goes a long way in the firmament of filmdom.
MILESTONES IN THE CAREER OF Dr. Akkineni Na!!eswara Rao
1924 * September 20th born at Venkatara~havapuram, Gudivada Tq., Krishna Dt., Andhra Pradesh, India. 1934 * Entry on
the sta~e in Female Roles.
1941 * "Dharmapatni" first film released.
1944 * Hero - "Sri Rama" - in "Sita Rama jananam".
1957 * Diamond jubilee Celebrations of 60 films in Madras. 1957 * "NATA SAMRAT" Title conferred by Dr. Bezawada Gopala
Reddy in Vijayawada.
1963 * Celebration of completion of toO films at Madras. 1968 * "PADMASRI" from Government of India.
1969 * Silver jubilee Celebrations as Hero in Hyderabad.
1977 * "KALAPRAPOORNA" - Honorary Doctorate from Andhra University.
1982 * Completion of 200 films Celebrations in Madras. 1984 * 40 Years Film Career Celebrations in Hyderabad. 1988 *
"PADMA BHUSHAN" from Government of India.
1990 * "RAGHUPATI VENKAIAH AWARD" from Government of Andhra Pradesh.
1991 * "DADA SAHEB PHALKE AWARD" from Government of India. * Film Career Golden jubilee Special Honour by Government
of Andhra Pradesh.
1993 * Honorary "D.UTT." conferred by Nagarjuna University. 1994 * Special Honour by NRls all over the world.
1995 * "ANNA" award by Government of Tamil Nadu.
1996 * The first "NTR NATIONAL FILM AWARD" by Government of Andhra Pradesh - Hi~hest Cash Award.
* "KAUDAS KOWSTUBH" award by Government of Madhya Pradesh. 1997 * "Best Hero Award" (Golden Nandi) for his performance in the film "Ban~aru Kutumbam" released in 1994.
2000 * Adviser to Government of Andhra Pradesh on Theatre, Film and TV for five years.
* Life Time Achievement Awards from TANA, ATA of USA and also from UK and Australia.
* Conferment of National 2004 intellectuals Award "The Great Son of the Soil" at Hyderabad by All India Conference of Intellectuals, Meerut.
At the time Dr. Akkineni Na~eswara Rao was honoured with the prestigious DADA SAHEB PHALKE AWARD in the year 1991, a desire sprouted in him to create such an award in his lifetime. This has enthused him to establish AKKINENI INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION TRUST with Rs. 1,00,000/- which has resulted into giving AKKINENI EXCELLENCE AWARD of not less than Rs. 2.5 lakhs every year from 10th january, 2006 onwards to a distinguished person for outstanding contribution for the development of film industry in our country.
Dr.K. Balachander's Profile
Date of Birth: 9th July 1930 (80 Years)
Place of birth: Nallamangudi Village,Tanjavur District
Educatioanl Qualification: B.Sc.(Zoology) in 1949 at Annamalai University
A Science graduate of Annamalai University, K.Balachander while working in the Accountant General’s Office as a Superintendent in the 1960s, came to prominence as an amateur playwright with his dynamic plays like Major Chandrakanth, Server Sundaram, Neerkumizhi, Mezhuguvarthi, Naanal and Navagraham.The plays, which were produced and directed by him, were an instant success and enjoyed both popular and critical acclaim. He has always been a firm believer that films should convey a message in some form or other.
He entered the film industry in 1965 and shot into fame with his very first film Neerkumizhi.Since then he has been a prolific filmmaker and written and directed films in many languages: Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi. His Hindi film Ek Duuje Ke Liye was a trendsetter and a runaway hit.
He has written, directed and produced more than 100 films and these have provided numerous opportunities for technicians’ such as cinematographers, music directors, play-back singers to demonstrate their talent in full measure and win awards at the stat as well as National Levels. He has the uncanny knack of spotting talent. He has been responsible for bringing into limelight and moulding many stars of the present day.
The last few years he has also turned his attention to the small screen and has brought to it the same perfection and intensity that he exhibited on the large screen.
His first Television serial Rail Sneham telecast in 1990 on Doordarshan is still remembered as a trend setter and his Kai Alavu Manasu is reputed to have made a Channel. He Introduced the very concept of ‘Mega Serials” with Raghu Vamsam on SUN TV and showed the way to the youth how even Mega Serials can be meaningful and taut with Anni and Sahana, both on Jaya Tv.
He has served the film industry as the President of the South Indian film Chamber of Commerce for a term and as the President of the Film Employees Federation of South India for three years.
AWARDS AND CITATIONS
NATIOANL AWARDS:
• His films Iru Kodugal, Apporva Raagangal, Thanneer Thanneer and Achamilai Achamillai have won the Silver Lotus for the Best Regional film (Tamil) for the years 1970, 1974, 1982 and 1984 respectively.
• He won the National Award for Best Screenplay for the film Thanneer Thanneer in 1981.
• Rudra Veena, Telugu film directed by him was awarded the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Film on National Integration in 1989.
• Oru Veedu Iru Vaasal, Tamil film produced and directed by him was awarded the National Best Film on Social Issues in 1991.
• Roja, Tamil film. Produced by him won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Film on National Integration 1993 and also won the Best Film of the year from the Government of Tamil Nadu.
• The Government of India awarded him PADMASHRI IN 1987 for his contribution to films.
OTHER CITATIONS:
• He was honoured by the Tamil Nadu Government with the title Kalaimamani in the year 1973 for excellence in filmmaking.
• The Tamil Nadu Government gave him Anna Award for his outstanding contribution to films in the year 1992.
• He has won the Andhra Pradesh Government Golden Nandi award for best feature film and Silver Nandi on a number of occasions.The Andhra Pradesh Government has also awarded him the Nandi Award for Best Screenplay for his film Kokilamma in 1982.
• The Government of Pandichery in 1993 awarded him the title of Kalai Maamedhai.
He was adjudged as the Best Film Technician of the year 1983 by the South Indian Cine Technicians Association and was the recipient of the AVM Award. In 1988, the south Indian Cine Technicians Association awarded him the MGR Award for his outstanding contribution to the film industry.
• He was the recipient of awards from the Film Fans Association for as many as 29 times in different categories as story writer, director, and producer. He was also honoured with the outstanding Contribution to Filmdom Award in 1992.
• Filmfare has awarded him on more than twelve occasions as Best Director and Best Film Producer.
• He has been awarded the For The Sake of Honour award, for his valuable service to society through films by the various Rotary Clubs in Tamil Nadu viz.Madras West (1987) Dindukkal West (1992), Tiruneveli West (1993) and Ambur (1993).
• Film Fare honoured him with a Life Time Achievement Award in 1995.
• The Serial Kai Alavu Manasu written and directed by him won the Onida Pinnacle Award in 1995.
• The Singapore Fans under the Presidentship of Hon Datto Samivelu Minister of Malaysia honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in a very Gala Public Function on 30.03.1996 at the Singapore Stadium.
• Dinakaran, a tamil daily honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996 for his Contribution to Films.
• Central Government Employees Welfare Co-Ordination Committee honoured him in 1997 with a For The Sake of Honour Award in Recognition of his achievements in the field of Art & Culture through his outstanding stage plays, movies and television serials.
• Kalaignar Virudhu from the Murasoli Arakkattalai for the year 2000 with prize money of a Lakh of Rupees at Kalaignar Arangam on 27.01.2001.
• The Title: Pada Ulaga Brahmma from the Indian Citizens of Kuwait on 30.03.2000
• The Bhishma Virudhu for 2001 from The Ashram on 03.12.2001 at kamaraj Arangam, Chennai.
• The Title: Gnana Kala Bharathi from Bharat Kalachar a leading Sabha for his great contribution to theatre and films.
• The topmost award of Rotary international in a mammoth colourful function specially organised at the Nehru Indoor Stadium,Chennai on 09.04.2005 with the entire film industry participating.
• Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) from the Sathyabhama Deemed University on 16th September 2005.
• Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) from the Alagappa University,Karaikudi on 18th October 2005.
• The Bharathi Virudhu from the Vanavil Pannbattu Maiyam, Chennai on 11/12/2006.
• The Title: Kalaiulaga Bharathi; conferred by the Tamil Fraternity of Abu Dhabi at a glittering function on 22/12/2006.
• Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) from the Madras University, Chennai on 12th November 2007.
• Yuva Kala Vauhini ‘Pride of Indian Cinema Award’, 2007 at Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad on 6th April 2008.
• Lifetime Achievement’ award with a cash prize of Rs.50, 000/- for his contribution to Indian Cinema as part of the International Film Festival of India held in Goa on 30th November 2008.
• Lifetime Achievement’ award presented by JAYA TV on 24-12-2009.
• ‘Natya Kala Vipanchee’ award for outstanding and excellent service in the propagation of Tamil Theatre for the past several years, awarded by Dr.Balamuralikrishna on 31-12-2009.
• ‘Dr.MGR Award’ for outstanding contribution to films awarded on 30-01-2010 by Hon.Minister Dr.Jagatrakshagan.
Place of birth: Nallamangudi Village,Tanjavur District
Educatioanl Qualification: B.Sc.(Zoology) in 1949 at Annamalai University
A Science graduate of Annamalai University, K.Balachander while working in the Accountant General’s Office as a Superintendent in the 1960s, came to prominence as an amateur playwright with his dynamic plays like Major Chandrakanth, Server Sundaram, Neerkumizhi, Mezhuguvarthi, Naanal and Navagraham.The plays, which were produced and directed by him, were an instant success and enjoyed both popular and critical acclaim. He has always been a firm believer that films should convey a message in some form or other.
He entered the film industry in 1965 and shot into fame with his very first film Neerkumizhi.Since then he has been a prolific filmmaker and written and directed films in many languages: Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi. His Hindi film Ek Duuje Ke Liye was a trendsetter and a runaway hit.
He has written, directed and produced more than 100 films and these have provided numerous opportunities for technicians’ such as cinematographers, music directors, play-back singers to demonstrate their talent in full measure and win awards at the stat as well as National Levels. He has the uncanny knack of spotting talent. He has been responsible for bringing into limelight and moulding many stars of the present day.
The last few years he has also turned his attention to the small screen and has brought to it the same perfection and intensity that he exhibited on the large screen.
His first Television serial Rail Sneham telecast in 1990 on Doordarshan is still remembered as a trend setter and his Kai Alavu Manasu is reputed to have made a Channel. He Introduced the very concept of ‘Mega Serials” with Raghu Vamsam on SUN TV and showed the way to the youth how even Mega Serials can be meaningful and taut with Anni and Sahana, both on Jaya Tv.
He has served the film industry as the President of the South Indian film Chamber of Commerce for a term and as the President of the Film Employees Federation of South India for three years.
AWARDS AND CITATIONS
NATIOANL AWARDS:
• His films Iru Kodugal, Apporva Raagangal, Thanneer Thanneer and Achamilai Achamillai have won the Silver Lotus for the Best Regional film (Tamil) for the years 1970, 1974, 1982 and 1984 respectively.
• He won the National Award for Best Screenplay for the film Thanneer Thanneer in 1981.
• Rudra Veena, Telugu film directed by him was awarded the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Film on National Integration in 1989.
• Oru Veedu Iru Vaasal, Tamil film produced and directed by him was awarded the National Best Film on Social Issues in 1991.
• Roja, Tamil film. Produced by him won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Film on National Integration 1993 and also won the Best Film of the year from the Government of Tamil Nadu.
• The Government of India awarded him PADMASHRI IN 1987 for his contribution to films.
OTHER CITATIONS:
• He was honoured by the Tamil Nadu Government with the title Kalaimamani in the year 1973 for excellence in filmmaking.
• The Tamil Nadu Government gave him Anna Award for his outstanding contribution to films in the year 1992.
• He has won the Andhra Pradesh Government Golden Nandi award for best feature film and Silver Nandi on a number of occasions.The Andhra Pradesh Government has also awarded him the Nandi Award for Best Screenplay for his film Kokilamma in 1982.
• The Government of Pandichery in 1993 awarded him the title of Kalai Maamedhai.
He was adjudged as the Best Film Technician of the year 1983 by the South Indian Cine Technicians Association and was the recipient of the AVM Award. In 1988, the south Indian Cine Technicians Association awarded him the MGR Award for his outstanding contribution to the film industry.
• He was the recipient of awards from the Film Fans Association for as many as 29 times in different categories as story writer, director, and producer. He was also honoured with the outstanding Contribution to Filmdom Award in 1992.
• Filmfare has awarded him on more than twelve occasions as Best Director and Best Film Producer.
• He has been awarded the For The Sake of Honour award, for his valuable service to society through films by the various Rotary Clubs in Tamil Nadu viz.Madras West (1987) Dindukkal West (1992), Tiruneveli West (1993) and Ambur (1993).
• Film Fare honoured him with a Life Time Achievement Award in 1995.
• The Serial Kai Alavu Manasu written and directed by him won the Onida Pinnacle Award in 1995.
• The Singapore Fans under the Presidentship of Hon Datto Samivelu Minister of Malaysia honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in a very Gala Public Function on 30.03.1996 at the Singapore Stadium.
• Dinakaran, a tamil daily honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996 for his Contribution to Films.
• Central Government Employees Welfare Co-Ordination Committee honoured him in 1997 with a For The Sake of Honour Award in Recognition of his achievements in the field of Art & Culture through his outstanding stage plays, movies and television serials.
• Kalaignar Virudhu from the Murasoli Arakkattalai for the year 2000 with prize money of a Lakh of Rupees at Kalaignar Arangam on 27.01.2001.
• The Title: Pada Ulaga Brahmma from the Indian Citizens of Kuwait on 30.03.2000
• The Bhishma Virudhu for 2001 from The Ashram on 03.12.2001 at kamaraj Arangam, Chennai.
• The Title: Gnana Kala Bharathi from Bharat Kalachar a leading Sabha for his great contribution to theatre and films.
• The topmost award of Rotary international in a mammoth colourful function specially organised at the Nehru Indoor Stadium,Chennai on 09.04.2005 with the entire film industry participating.
• Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) from the Sathyabhama Deemed University on 16th September 2005.
• Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) from the Alagappa University,Karaikudi on 18th October 2005.
• The Bharathi Virudhu from the Vanavil Pannbattu Maiyam, Chennai on 11/12/2006.
• The Title: Kalaiulaga Bharathi; conferred by the Tamil Fraternity of Abu Dhabi at a glittering function on 22/12/2006.
• Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) from the Madras University, Chennai on 12th November 2007.
• Yuva Kala Vauhini ‘Pride of Indian Cinema Award’, 2007 at Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad on 6th April 2008.
• Lifetime Achievement’ award with a cash prize of Rs.50, 000/- for his contribution to Indian Cinema as part of the International Film Festival of India held in Goa on 30th November 2008.
• Lifetime Achievement’ award presented by JAYA TV on 24-12-2009.
• ‘Natya Kala Vipanchee’ award for outstanding and excellent service in the propagation of Tamil Theatre for the past several years, awarded by Dr.Balamuralikrishna on 31-12-2009.
• ‘Dr.MGR Award’ for outstanding contribution to films awarded on 30-01-2010 by Hon.Minister Dr.Jagatrakshagan.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
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