Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 28: In a significant recognition of emerging talent, Mangalurean film-maker Karen Kshiti Suvarna has been awarded the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for direction.

The award was presented on August 24, during a ceremony in Bengaluru, where veteran music director Dr Hamsalekha honoured the winners across various categories.

At just 20 years old, Karen Kshiti Suvarna, who studied film-making at the Atharva Institute of Film & Television in Mumbai, was celebrated for her debut short film, ‘Hide and Seek’.

The film, which addresses the theme of schizophrenia and its serious repercussions, has garnered international acclaim, including screenings at the Cannes Film Festival and other notable film festivals.

The short film is produced by Visica Films & FMD Productions, along with Mohan and Manu Gorur. Anil Kumar has handled the cinematography, and the background score is by national award-winning music composer Bapi Tutul.