The Padma Shri is unique: Girish Kasaravalli

TOI chats up veteran filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli, as he brings home the civilian honour...
The Padma Shri...
I am quite happy that my work of over four decades has been recognised by the Government. Kannada cinema is getting a Padma award after a long gap. I was told about this award half an hour before it was announced. Initially, my response was casual. But later, when everyone started congratulating me, I realised what an honour it was.My wife Vaishali was hoping I would get it some day or the other. I feel sad she���������s not here. It would have meant so much to her
You���������ve been getting awards for some time now...
For script writing and for directing I���������ve won the Rashtriya award many times. A few months ago, it was the President���������s award for Kanasemba Kudureyaneri. The Padma Shri is unique because it���������s a civilian award and not for a film. I always get excited about receiving awards for a film. I know then that the audience has appreciated my work.
Receiving the award without Vaishali...
Nothing can be done now. She���������s no more and we have to move forward. She was the one who was always excited and happy about me getting awards.
One day in your life...
There is not much change after Vaishali died. I am getting used to it. I wake up in the morning, do the usual stuff, have breakfast, read, watch movies.
Plans for this year...
I want to make a film for certain. But I haven���������t decided what it���������s going to be about.
You dream about...
Nothing. When I���������m given an assignment, I start looking for the story.
Gen Now and non-commercial cinema...
I���������ve never felt that people are not willing to watch non-commercial films that make a statement. There is an audience, but we haven���������t been able to reach them because of infrastructural issues.
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