CHENNAI: The day after the music maestro A R Rahman brought glory for the entire nation by winning two Oscars, a string of Kollywood actors, actresses and film directors have found place among the 71 winners of Kalaimamani awards this year.
They are–Bharath and Pasupathi (actors), Asin, Nayantara, Meera Jasmine and Shobana (actresses) and Cheran and Sundar C (film directors).
Veteran actress Saroja Devi also has been chosen for the honour.
The awards have been instituted by the Iyal Isai, Nataka Mandram of the State Government.
Film producer Abhirami Ramanathan, Harris Jayaraj, music director, Avvai Natarajan, former vice chancellor of Tamil University, poet Chirpi, Drums Mani, Sukhi Sivam, spiritual orator, poet Andal Priyadarshini, veteran news reader of All India Radio, Saroj Narayanaswami, comedian Vaiyapuri, script writer Vedam Puthithu Kannan and film journalist Naveenan, have also been selected for the award.
Others who will receive the award include bharathanatyam artistes Iswarya Rajinikanth, Kayalvizhi Kapilan, Swetha Gopalan and Sailaja; television artistes Abhishek, Anu Hasan, Amarasikamani, Devipriya; serial director Sundar K Vijayan and Ramesh Prabha, TV programmes producer.
The Kalaimamani award, which carries a gold medal, is expected to be presented by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi later.