BHUBANESWAR: National Award winning filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda of "I Am Kalam" fame, who has been chosen for the prestigious Padma Shri, said the honour will inspire him to work in the direction of making more films on the country's pertinent issues.
The announcement that Panda will be conferred with the fourth highest civilian honour came on Monday.
Reacting to it, Panda told IANS: "I am very happy that I will get the Padma Shri. It's a great achievement to me. I am sure that it will inspire me to work in the direction of making more films on several issues of the country."
Thanking the people of Odisha, where he belongs, Panda said the award would increase responsibility on him as people would expect more good films in the coming days.
"I will certainly try to meet the expectation of people," he said.
Panda has been chosen for the Padma Shri award in the Art - Film Direction and Production category.
Born in Odisha's Sonepur, he has produced and directed over 70 movies, documentaries and short films.
The 42-year-old's movies are based on social and developmental issues.
His first iconic feature film, the highly acclaimed "I Am Kalam", has won 32 international awards and one National Award.