Renowned film maker Mani Ratnam has been chosen for the lifetime achievement award of the Bengaluru International Film Festival. The award comprises a purse of ₹10 lakh, citation and a memento. This is for the first time that Biffes is conferring an award to a film maker for his contribution to the film world.
A 13-member selection committee, headed by Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy Chairman S.V. Rajendra Singh Babu, selected Mani Ratnam.
The award will be conferred on Mani Ratnam during the closing ceremony of Biffes on March 1. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will honour him along with awardees of competitive sections.
Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Babu said that Mani Ratnam made his debut through Kannada film Pallavi Anupallavi. He is known for bringing new dimension to South Asian cinema and his idea of combining art and commercial elements garnered critical acclaim, besides commercial success. His Nayagan , Bombay , Iruvar and other films were inspired by real life incidents, and Thalapathi and Raavan were based on Indian epics, explained Mr. Babu.
