Comprehensive contribution to film industry; Priyadarshan bags Prem Nazir Award 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Priyadarshan will be awarded the Prem Nazir Award for his comprehensive contribution to the film industry. The award, led by the Prem Nazir Foundation, will be presented to Priyadarshan, said Foundation Chairman G Suresh Kumar. The award consists of a certificate of appreciation and a sculpture.

Priyadarshan's career spans over four decades, during which he has directed nearly 100 films in various Indian languages, including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. He is known for his versatility and significant impact on Indian cinema, particularly for his commercially successful comedic films and critically acclaimed offbeat works like Kanchivaram. His contributions have earned him numerous other accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2012 and multiple National Film Awards.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar will present the award to Priyadarshan at a function to be organised at Tagore on the 16th at 6 pm. Ministers Saji Cherian, KB Ganesh Kumar, Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan and others will be the chief guests. The award winner was selected by a committee comprising Shaji Kailas, Ranjith Rajputra, Menaka and G Suresh Kumar.

Prem Nazir Foundation awards, consisting of Rs. 10,000 and a memento, will also be presented to music students Sangeeth Vijayan and Devapriya M Raj of Swathi Thirunal Sangeet Academy at the function. Foundation Executive Secretary Faisal Muhammad Basheer, Abdul Nasser, Sajitha Najam, Anwar Pallikal and others attended the press conference.