Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Dec 11: B Bhoja Suvarna, the renowned lyricist who wrote the first song for Tulu cinema in the film ‘Ennathangadi’, has been selected for the prestigious ILESA 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award in the cultural, art, and literature category. The announcement was made by ILESA - The Voice of the Ocean (R) on December 11.
At 85 years old, Bhoja Suvarna has written songs for four Tulu films, with hits like Yansanyasape, Impum Thampu Jaage Undu Swargaya, Odaari Dee Ri De Na, Raadha Raadha Ode Pop Enan Buddusi Da, Saavirodoti Saavitri, Ire Preetidaadhina Kaate, Raj Raj Maharaja, Kanni Ttukki Kayttukkalayaan and Kasadaye Kandane. These songs remain immensely popular to this day.
Suvarna's journey in Tulu cinema began with the release of Tulu’s first film Heggalige Ennathangadi in 1971. He wrote two songs for the film, Manassina Nirmala and Kundavve Onji Mandira, but due to technical reasons, the songs are not available today. The second song was penned by Banneje Govinda Acharya. Despite facing poverty and working in a garage, Suvarna began his career at the age of 18, and has since written around 3,000 songs for dramas and films. He has also written, directed, and acted in 24 plays.
Even at 85, Suvarna continues to teach children devotional songs at the Vitthobha Bhajana Mandir in Bokkapatna, demonstrating his unyielding passion for the arts. His contribution to the cultural world, especially in Tulu cinema, is immeasurable.
The ILESA Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented on the occasion of ILESA’s fourth anniversary. The award includes a cash prize of Rs. 25,000, along with cherished gifts and performances by the awardees’ favorite singers, dancers, and actors.
The event will be held on December 21, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Narnappa Kala Mantapa in Nasik B H Bangera Sabha Bhavan, Pandeshwar, Mangaluru. Renowned Tulu singers will perform Bhoja Suvarna’s songs, making the evening memorable for his fans and admirers. Key guests at the ceremony include renowned personalities such as Abudhabi’s Sarvottam Shetty, Qatar’s Moodambailu Ravi Shetty, and Saudi Arabia’s Narendra Shetty. Music director Ashok Charan, actress Sarojini Shetty, music director and poet Manohar, and singer Rameshchandra will also be attending to honour Bhoja Suvarna.
Suri Marnadu, media coordinator of ILESA, has invited all Bhoja Suvarna’s fans to attend the event and make it a grand celebration.