The 49th annual celebration and 24th awards ceremony of the Shri Raghavendra Chitravani organization was grandly conducted in the presence of several dignitaries. This prestigious PR organization is set to celebrate its Golden Jubilee next year.
A legacy that started 25 years ago: The late Shri D.V. Sudheendra, the first publicist of Kannada cinema, began the tradition of awarding producers and senior journalists on the occasion of Shri Raghavendra Chitravani completing 25 years. The number of awards has now increased to 10. The 49th annual celebration and the 24th awards ceremony were recently held at MMB Legacy in a grand manner. Chief guests included Chief Minister’s Media Advisor K.V. Prabhakar, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce President M. Narasimhulu, Kannada Film Producers’ Association President Umesh Banakar, senior producer Rockline Venkatesh, senior journalist Vijayamma, Indrajit Lankesh, journalist Sadashiva Shenoy, actress Ragini Dwivedi, and politician Sanjay Gowda.
A Golden Milestone: Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Shri Raghavendra Chitravani by Shri D.V. Sudheendra. K.V. Prabhakar, while speaking at the event, fondly recalled the organization’s journey, which began with the film Sose Tanda Saubhagya. He highlighted the importance of cinema PROs and promised to discuss with the Chief Minister the possibility of appointing them as directors of the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy and considering them for state film awards. He assured that the 50th anniversary would be celebrated on a grand scale, expressing solidarity with the organization.
A Week of Celebrations: He also noted that this week has been a celebratory one for the film industry, with the announcement of the 2019 state film awards, Padma awards to Anant Nag and Hassan Raghu, and actor Shivanna’s recovery and return to Karnataka.
Appreciation from Esteemed Guests: M. Narasimhulu, Umesh Banakar, Rockline Venkatesh, Vijayamma, Sanjay Gowda, Ragini Dwivedi, and Indrajit Lankesh praised the significant contributions of Shri Raghavendra Chitravani to Kannada cinema with heartfelt speeches.
2024 Annual Awards:
- Shri Raghavendra Chitravani Award: Senior film producer Smt. Meenakshi K.V. Jayaram and senior journalist Shri K.J. Kumar.
- Dr. Rajkumar Award for Best Female Playback Singer: Kumari Anuradha Bhat.
- R. Seshadri Memorial Award: Senior director Om Prakash Rao.
- H.M. Ramachandra Award: Senior actress Rekha Rao.
- Best Music Director Award: Arjun Janya for Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi.
- Best Story Writing Award: Jaishankar Aryar for Shivamma.
- Best Dialogue Writing Award: Chandrajit Belliyappa for Ibani Tabbida Ileyaali.
- Best Debut Director Award: Utsav Gonavar for Photo.
- Best Lyricist Award: Dr. V. Nagendra Prasad for the song “Dwapara” from Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi.
- Special Award: Samrajit Lankesh for his performance in Gowri.
The awardees expressed their joy and gratitude through their acceptance speeches. Sponsors, prominent personalities from the film and media industries, and well-wishers were present at the event.
Sudheendra Venkatesh of Raghavendra Chitravani extended a warm welcome to everyone and concluded the ceremony on a heartfelt note.
