Yesteryear film director Sasikumar has been chosen for Kerala government’s prestigious J.C. Daniel Award for lifetime achievement in cinema for the year 2012.
The filmmaker, who has set what is stated to be a world record by making 141 films, was chosen for the award by a panel chaired by music director M.K. Arjunan and comprising filmmaker and Kerala State Chalachithra Academy chairman Priyadarshan, actors Sukumari and Raghavan, and Culture Secretary Sajan Peter. Sasikumar has made as many as 141 films.
Eighty-six-year old Sasikumar, born Nambiathuseril Varkey John in Alappuzha, is credited with having made the highest number of films with the same lead actor and same lead team, and the highest number of films in a year. His first film Kudumbini hit the silver screen in 1964. The award would be presented to him shortly, Minister for Cinema K.B. Ganesh Kumar told a news conference here on Wednesday.
Mr. Ganesh Kumar said the government would also try to ensure that the records set by Sasikumar got properly documented. Steps would also be taken to increase the cash component of the award from the present Rs.1 lakh, he said.
