Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 10: In a grand ceremony at the Kaveri residence on Monday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah honored legendary actress Shabana Azmi with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFES). Along with the prestigious award, a cheque of Rs 10 lakh was presented to the iconic artist. The occasion was also graced by renowned poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar.

Siddaramaiah fondly recalled his admiration for Shabana Azmi, mentioning her powerful appearance in the visual poem Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, which had left a lasting impression on him. He acknowledged her significant contribution to both Kannada cinema and Hindi films, stating that her debut in the 1970s with the film Kanneswara Rama had won the hearts of Kannada film enthusiasts. Azmi’s exceptional career, spanning nearly 50 years, was celebrated through this recognition, enhancing the stature of the award itself, according to the Chief Minister.

Both Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar expressed their admiration for the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka, particularly its influence in the realm of music. Siddaramaiah responded by highlighting the state’s prominence as the birthplace of legendary Hindustani musicians such as Bhimsen Joshi, Kumar Gandharva, and Gangubai Hangal, all of whom hailed from Dharwad, an achievement that he noted was a matter of great pride for the state.

The Chief Minister also mentioned the state’s ongoing efforts to support artists and musicians, citing the positive impact of copyright laws and his commitment to presenting a favorable stance on GST for artists in future discussions with the GST Council.

The ceremony was attended by several notable figures, including Government Secretary Kaveri, Media Advisor K.V. Prabhakar, Information and Public Relations Commissioner Hemant Nimbalkar, Additional Chief Secretary L.K. Atheeq, Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy President Sadhu Kokila, and BIFFES Artistic Director Vidyashankar, who joined in honoring Azmi and Akhtar.

Earlier, Siddaramaiah had inaugurated the 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival at the Vidhana Soudha on March 1, where he announced plans to establish a world-class film city in Mysuru. The project will cover 150 acres of land, aimed at boosting Karnataka’s film industry. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of leveraging international film festivals to foster impactful cinema and create opportunities within the state.