As a filmmaker and an actor, Samuthirakani, for the first time is receiving a national award in his 13-year-long career. He bagged the best supporting actor national film award for his powerful performance of a police officer in Vetrimaaran directedVisaaranai. Speaking to DC he says, “I feel humbled. All the credit goes to Vetrimaaran sir who brought the best out of me. I also thank producer Dhanush for giving me this opportunity”.
He also said that he was dedicating the award to his guru, the late filmmaker K.Balachander. “I thank the award committee members as well as the press who have been supportive to me all these years”. He is gearing up with his next directorial venture Appa.
Triple joy for me: Dhanush
With his production venture Visaaranai getting three awards including Best Tamil Feature Film, multi-tasking personality Dhanush said that this was a ‘triple joy’ for him. The other two awards are for Best Editor E Kishore and Best Supporting Actor Samuthirakani. “Some ventures give you the gut feeling that they will make it big even as you begin the process. Visaaranai directed by Vetrimaaran is one such film. This movie was critically acclaimed and also a huge box-office hit. I must thank Vetrimaaran for getting these accolades. Recognition for good work motivates me to produce more such films,” Dhanush remarked.
Double dhamaka for us: Sasikumar
“I am extremely happy that Thaarai Thappattai produced under my banner Company Productions has bagged the award for the Best Background Score. Thaarai Thappattai, being the 1,000th film of Isai Gnani Ilayaraja sir itself was special and like an award to me. Now Raja sir having bagged the national award, it is a double dhamaka to us. At the same time, I thank director Bala sir who made it happen. From Pasanga to Thalaimuraigal and now Thaarai Thapattai, it is the third time my production company is getting a national award,” says actor, director and producer Sasikumar.
On top of the world, says Ritika Singh
An excited Ritika, who bagged special mention by juries for Irudhi Suttru tells DC that she is on top of the world. “Months back before Irudhi Suttru was sent for National Award selection, my director Sudha madam asked me to come to Chennai and dub my own voice in Tamil, only then they will consider me for national award.
But, somehow, I couldn’t make it! Now, despite those technicalities, when I heard that I was given Special Mention by the juries, it was an unbelievable feeling. I want to thank God, my parents, Sudha mam, Madhavan and Rajumar Hirani. It was a wonderful character. Madhie and I will be always remembered as Madhie for all Tamil audiences. I will strive and work in good films”.
Rajinikanth and Nadigar Sangam congratulated Ilayaraja and all other national award winners.
(As told to ANUPAMA SUBRAMANIAN)
