Mysuru: After a five-year delay due to various reasons including the pandemic, the Karnataka State Film Awards ceremony for the years 2018 and 2019 was finally held on Monday. The event, which recognized the best talent in Kannada cinema, took place at the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) Convocation Hall in Mysuru.

Chief Minister’s Announcements and Message -

The ceremony was attended by prominent film personalities and political dignitaries, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Annual Awards: CM Siddaramaiah announced that the State Film Awards will henceforth be presented annually to ensure timely recognition of talent.

Chitranagari (Film City): He also provided an update on the proposed construction of an international-standard Film City in Mysuru.

Message to Actors: Reiterating his previous stance, the CM advised film personalities to maintain a balance between their on-screen persona and real-life values. He cited the legendary Dr. Rajkumar as an example, urging actors to use their life journey to inspire the public.

Major Award Winners and Attendees

The event was a grand affair, bringing together major figures from the Kannada film industry under one roof.

Lifetime Achievement: Veteran actress Umashree was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Special Recognition: Actor and director Rishab Shetty (known for Kantara) was given a special honor for his significant contribution to Kannada cinema.

Prominent Attendees: The event saw the presence of numerous stars, directors, and technicians, including Kichcha Sudeep, Anupama Gowda, Tabla Nani, Darling Krishna, Meghana Raj, Veena Sundar, music composer Ravi Basrur, lyricist Jayant Kaikini, Hamsalekha, and directors like Baraguru Ramachandrappa and P. Seshadri.

The cultural programs and the presence of special guests added grandeur to the ceremony.

Future Outlook -

While the 2018 and 2019 awards have been presented, the film fraternity now awaits the announcement for the subsequent years, as the awards for the period 2020 to 2024 are yet to be declared. Also Read: Prakash Raj Fires Up at Kerala Awards Stage: Mammootty National Award Controversy Reignited!