The State government has increased the monthly financial assistance for indigent artistes from the present Rs.1,000 to Rs. 1,500, said R. Gunasekaran, Deputy Director of Art and Culture, here on Saturday.
The increased assistance will be provided from April 2013, he said.
Mr. Gunasekaran was speaking at the valediction of the 10-day fourth annual drama festival organised jointly by the South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur and Tiruchi district Nataka Nadigargal Sangam, at the Rasika Ranjana Sabha Hall.
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Theatre formed the base for cinema. Many drama artistes had delivered outstanding performance and carved a name for themselves in the cinema field, Mr. Gunasekaran said.
M.S. Mohamed Masthan, general secretary of the sangam, said that the fourth drama festival evoked overwhelming response and 21 dramas produced by drama troupes across the State participated in it.
Singam Puli, cinema director and comedian, was the guest of honour.
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Seera Kaththan, president of the sangam, R. Ramachandran, honorary president, N. Sekar, secretary of the R.R. Sabha, Muthuvelahagan and K. Krishnamurthy, senior drama artistes, offered felicitation.
Mr. Gunasekaran and Mr. Singam Puli gave away awards to best drama and artistes.
While the drama Nayaki was adjudged the best, the second prize went to Inai Kodugal .
R. Ramachandran (RR) was adjudged the best director and the second prize went to Thiyagarajan (Vizhudhugal) and the third prize to J. Julien (‘Azhagae sugama’).
A. Francis was adjudged the best actor for his role in Mudhalali followed by V.P. C. Sekar (Nayaki).
The Best actor award went to L.R. Suganthi, followed by S. Viji.
The award for best script and dialogue went to A.P.S. Manimaran (Vidiyattum), Kattur V. Chithravelu (Annaiyin arulal) and Karai Subbia (Theruvilakku).
The best music director award went to Pandi T. Tamizharasan while Salem Vijaya got the best make-up man award.
S. Shanthisri and S. Viji bagged a special prize for director (Nayaki).