Bonanza for Tamil cinema
S. R. ASHOK KUMAR
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Tamil cinema has never had it so good — five national awards. What do the achievers have to say?
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ACHIEVERS: Cheran
It is a happy harvest for Tamil cinema. It has bagged five of the National awards announced on Thursday.
Director Cheran is elated. ``With all its autographical elements, I consider `Autograph' as something special," he says. ``I have decided to do at least one film every two years to compete for national recognition," he adds. Of course he is happy for singer Chitra, named best playback singer for a record sixth time, and lyricist Pa. Vijay.
K. S. Chitra
Vidyasagar is brimming with joy. ``I thought it was a boon to work for K. Vishwanath, a great director. The award makes me feel twice blessed," he says.
K.S. Chitra has hit a sixer, quietly. The record reads like this: 1986 (Sindhubhairavi), 1987 (Nakhashathangal), 1989 (Vaishali), 1996 (Minsara Kanna), 1997 (Virasat) and now ``Ovvoru Pookalumae" for "Autograph." "This song has taken the film music world by storm. Invariably there is a request for this song wherever I sing in a concert. In the U.S. a lady came to me after the show and said that she had travelled nearly 200 km mainly to hear me sing the song," says the Chinnakuyil. "I thank the music director Bharadwaj, producer, actor and the director Cheran for giving me the opportunity to sing the song," she concludes.
Kutti
For Pa.Vijai it is the first award at the national level. ``When I came to Chennai it was my dream to win a national award. But I never thought it will be fulfilled so soon. Now my responsibilities are more and I must live up to it," he says. The physically challenged Kutti who acted in "Dancer" (produced and directed by Keyar) is overwhelmed. "I did not expect it. I dedicate the award to Mr. Keyar," he says succinctly.
Both Santosh Sivan whose "Navarasa" has won the best Tamil film in the regional category and Prabhu Deva, winner in the choreography section also expressed happiness.
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Entertainment
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
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Thiruvananthapuram
