The Hindu : Lifetime achievement award for Liv Ullman

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003

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Lifetime achievement award for Liv Ullman

By Our Staff Reporter

Photo: S. Arneja

The Union Shipping Minister and actor, Shatrughan Sinha, presenting the lifetime achievement award to the Norwegian actress, Liv Ullman, at the 34th International Film Festival of India-2003, in New Delhi on Tuesday. The Information and Broadcasting Minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad (extreme left), and actress Shabana Azmi are also seen.

NEW DELHI OCT. 14. The legendary Norwegian actress and director, Liv Ullman, was presented the lifetime achievement award at the 34th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) today for her "intense cinematic portrayal of the power and honesty of every woman''.

The special felicitation ceremony saw the actress — best known for her performances in renowned Swedish film-maker Ingmar Bergman's films such as "En Passion'' and "Ansikete Mot Ansikte'' — receive a standing ovation.

The function was preceded by the screening of her much-acclaimed film — "Kristin Lavransdatter''.

Describing Ms. Ullman as a trail-blazer in her own right in cinema, actress Shabana Azmi, who introduced the Norwegian actress here, said: "Cinema without her is like a camera without film and a theatre without audience''.

She pointed out that the actress was such a personality that "she could break though any barrier of language''.

Ms. Ullman was at her humble best. Starting on a light note, she said: "I am receiving this award at the age of 64. But it does not mean that my life is over, if that is what you think.''

"I believe that the world that we live in is a global world. Everything is intertwined with each other, be it where we are from, what we do. And I believe that if cinema could be used in the way it should be, it will help us understand the world better.''

While the award was presented by the Union Minister of Shipping and actor, Shatrughan Sinha, the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ravi Shankar Prasad, honoured her with a shawl. "She encompasses in her some of the finest trends and forms of creativity. By honouring her, we have today honoured cinema,'' Mr. Prasad said.

The actress said she felt "honoured and proud'' to receive the award, but it was the way it was given that made her feel better about the occasion. It was her special mention of her trip to Bollywood that had the audience give a more spirited applause in the end.

"It has been my dream to see Bollywood and how it works. I will be going to Mumbai and finally seeing it. I can't believe that I am finally experiencing it,'' she said.

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