CHENNAI: Veteran actor Sivakumar, who is also the father of well known stars Surya and Karthi, was honoured with the Jaya TV Lifetime Achievement Award at the Anna centenary library auditorium on Saturday.
The actor, who received the award from a host of dignitaries including AVM Saravanan, producer and director S A Chandrasekaran, music director Gangai Amaran, actor Surya, directors Vijay, Parthepan, Vetrimaran, actors Nanda, Prasanna, Sneha and Santhanam in the presence of a packed auditorium that gave him a standing ovation, was visibly moved and thanked the jury, the industry and his fans for the love they had showered on him.
The award was to honour him for his commendable contribution to the Tamil film industry for over 40 years.
Speaking at the Jaya film awards 2011, Tamil Nadu Film Producers Council S A Chandrashekaran said, "People like me, Sivakumar and Gangai Amaran feel a surge of pride when people recognise us by the achievements of our sons. Today, nobody addresses me as SAC. Instead, they call me the father of Vijay. Similarly, when people like Sivakumar and Gangai Amaran go out, they are addressed as the fathers of Suriya and Venkat Prabhu. It is an honour for us and I would like every youngster present here to emulate these youngsters and make their parents proud of their achievements.”
While Arthur Wilson won the Best Cinematographer Award for his work in Avan Ivan, singer Benny Dayal was chosen the Best Playback Singer male for his song Where issa isssa.. from Vithagan. Sathya was presented the award for best debut music director for his work in Engeyum Epodhdhum. Sivakumar’s sons –Surya and Karthi – too won awards. While Karthi was selected the Youth Icon of the year, Surya was chosen as the most favourite actor of the masses.
There were dance performances by Dhansikaa and Poorna at the event.