The big Kannada winners of the Filmfare Awards

Kannada cinema made its presence felt at the 63rd Filmfare Awards South that was recently held in Hyderabad. Everyone was cheering when namma stars went on stage to receive their awards. Here's a look at all the award winners of the night...


Parul Yadav

Parul Yadav’s performance in the ensemble drama Aatagaara got her the Best Actor (Female) award. In her acceptance speech, Parul said, “I am sure that when I place this award on the shelf, my mother will have the broadest smile on her face.” The other leading ladies who were nominated were Mayuri Kyatari (Krishna Leela), Nabha Natesh (Vajrakaya), Rachita Ram (Ranna) and Shanvi Srivastava (Masterpiece).

Puneeth Rajkumar

Puneeth Rajkumar’s action-packed outing in Ranavikrama got him the Best Actor (Male) award. After receiving the award, he said, “This is my third Filmfare award as hero and fourth in total. Way back in ’86, I won this award as Best Child Actor.” The other nominees were Krishna Ajai Rao (Krishna Leela), Sanchari Vijay (Naanu Avanalla Avalu), Shivarajkumar (Vajrakaya) and Yash (Masterpiece).

Anup Bhandari

It was a memorable night for debutant Anup Bhandari. Not only did he win the Best Director award, but his film, RangiTaranga was selected as the Best Film (Kannada). In his acceptance speech, Anup said, “I have most of the south Indian film industry in front of me and I have a humble request — Kannadigas have always supported films of every language and now, we want your support to get Kannada cinema to reach those heights and release in theatres in all the other states. I hope that you will do it, and I promise that we will not disappoint.” Others who were nominated under the Best Director category were KM Chaitanya (Aatagara), Pavan Wadeyar (Ranavikrama), Shashank (Krishna Leela) and Suri (Kendasampige).

Sudharani

Her role as a loud and aggressive wife and mother in Vaastu Prakara won her the award for Best Supporting Actor (Female). Other actresses who were nominated in the same category were Avanthika Shetty (RangiTaranga), Chandrika (Kendasampige), Madhoo (Ranna) and Pavana Gowda (Aatagara).

Saikumar

His powerful role in RangiTaranga helped Saikumar win the Best Supporting Actor (Male) award. He said, “This is the first time that I am receiving an award for a Kannada film. I am also delighted that it is for RangiTaranga, a film which is soon completing a year in cinema halls. I always say and believe that while Telugu is my mother tongue, Kannada is the language for my livelihood. I have great regard for the Kannada film industry, which has encouraged me and my films. I am indebted to Kannada fans.” Others who were nominated with him were Ananth Nag (Vaastu Prakaara), Ramakrishna (Raja Rajendra), P Ravi Shankar (Aatagara) and Sundar (Naanu Avanalla Avalu).

Inchara Rao

She stole our hearts with her soulful rendition of Kareyole from RangiTaranga, due to which the night was hers, as she received the Black Lady for the Best Playback Singer (Female). Others who were nominated were Anuradha Bhat (Irali Heege from Benkipatna), Indu Nagaraj (Ka Thalkattu Kaa from Airavata), Shreya Ghoshal (Shuru Shuru from 1st Rank Raju) and Vani Harikrishna (Raata Patta from Rhatee).

Santhosh Venky

Santhosh, who was dressed to impress, took home the Black Lady for being the Best Playback Singer (Male) for his rendition of the hit song Raja Raniyanthe from Rhatee. Those who were competing for the award along with him were Dhanush (No Problem from Vajrakaya), Javed Ali (Sanje Veleli from Luv U Alia), Karthik (Nenape Nitya Mallige from Kendasampige) and Vijay Prakash (Thuttoori Thalavarayya from Bullet Basya).

Sridhar V Sambhram

Sridhar, who won his debut Filmfare award for his music in Krishna Leela, had, in his acceptance speech, said that receiving the award in the presence of his idol AR Rahman made it most memorable for him, as he was the inspiration for Sridhar to take to music. The others nominated along with him were Anup Bhandari (RangiTaranga), Arjun Janya (Vajrakaya), Jassie Gift (Luv U Alia) and V Harikrishna (Rhatee).

Jayanth Kaikini

“Nenape nithya mallige, Kanasu Kendasampige... Estu chenda shikshe ondu sanna tappige?? Sarasa parijaathavu, Viraha choopu kedige... Sadha hoo biduva kaala nanna preethige... Nenape nithya mallige...” These are the lyrics that helped Jayanth bag the Best Lyricist award for the song Nenape Nitya Mallige from Kendasampige. The other nominees were Kaviraj (Nee Muddada from Rathavara), Pavan Wadeyar (Jagave Ondu Ranaranga from Ranavikrama), V Nagendra Prasad (Edeyal Yaro Ghazal from Muddu Manase) and Yogaraj Bhat (Manege Naaku Moole from Vaastu Prakaara).