Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, May 27: The Press Club Guest of Honour Award was presented to noted actor Naveen D Padil at a ceremony held at the Press Club here on Tuesday, May 27.
After receiving the honour, Naveen D Padil spoke about his journey, recalling his modest upbringing. “I was brought up in a humble background, but I never felt deprived, thanks to the support of my neighbours. We lived together harmoniously as a community, and that made a big difference,” he said.
He credited his teachers for their support and shared that his first boost in confidence came when he dressed as Santa Claus during Christmas carols. “Later, I acted in the play Onji Nimisha, and the role of Krishnappa brought me recognition at the age of 20. I then collaborated with Devdas Kapikad, Vijay Kumar Kodialbail, Dinesh Attavar, and Bojaraj Vamanjoor. Though we were young, we played elderly characters, and in some plays, we received standing ovations,” he recalled.
Speaking about his film career, he said, “After acting in the film Vidheyam with Mammootty, the nature of my roles started changing. I now take on serious and supporting roles, as my face no longer fits the typical comic mold. Audience expectations are hard to match, and comedy itself has evolved. In films like Jeetige, my performance may not have been widely appreciated locally, but filmmakers with a different vision recognised it.”
He also spoke about a recent injury sustained while shooting for a film based on the Koragajja deity. “I injured my leg during the shoot, something that has never happened in my career. What hurt me most was that the producer didn’t even check on me. I have surgery scheduled in June and hope to recover soon. I’ve also signed a few upcoming films,” he said.
Naveen D Padil calls for communal harmony in district
Speaking about the current scenario in the districtm Naveen D Padil said, “Dakshina Kannada is known for its rich cultural heritage, traditions, and harmonious way of life. However, in recent years, communal tensions have made it increasingly difficult for people to live peacefully. If this continues, future generations may face even greater challenges. Several development projects that were originally planned for the district are now being moved elsewhere due to these tensions.
We are currently working on a film centred around the theme of harmony, written by Shashiraj Kavoor, to highlight the importance of unity and peace in society.
Politics is essential, and we all participate by casting our votes. But after that, we must maintain peace without troubling others. There is no need to publicise whom we voted for. Unfortunately, some manipulate the situation, and innocent people end up losing their lives. We elect MPs and MLAs to solve public issues—they are responsible for doing their job. We need not take matters into our own hands or disturb societal harmony.
Why is there so much conflict in a region so deeply rooted in rituals, traditions, and cultural values? With this humanitarian concept in mind, we are making a film for which Shashiraj Kavoor is writing the script.”
Meanwhile Naveen stressed the need for sensitivity when portraying deities on screen. “It must be done respectfully and accurately. Misrepresentation can hurt sentiments,” he added.
The event was attended by journalist Bala Jagannath Shetty, Mangaluru Press Club president P B Harish Rai, district working journalists' union president Srinivas Nayak Indaje, Patrika Bhavana Trust president Ramakrishna R, general secretary Ibrahim Adkastala, programme convenor Jeethendra Kundeshwar, and others.
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