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Veteran Actress Sarada Wins Kerala's Prestigious J.C. Daniel Award 2024

Veteran actress Sarada has been selected for the 2024 J.C. Daniel Award, the highest film honour from the Kerala government. The jury, chaired by lyricist Sreekumaran Thampi, praised her as an actress of exceptional calibre who won two National Film Awards for Best Actress. Her nuanced portrayals over two decades are credited with immortalising the Malayali woman on screen. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will present the award at the Kerala State Film Awards ceremony on January 25.

Key Points: Sarada Wins J.C. Daniel Award for Malayalam Cinema

  • Highest state film honour
  • Two-time National Award winner
  • Jury chaired by Sreekumaran Thampi
  • Award ceremony on January 25
2 min read

Actress Sarada chosen for J.C. Daniel Award for lifetime contribution to Malayalam cinema

Veteran actress Sarada selected for Kerala's highest film honour, the J.C. Daniel Award, for her lifetime contribution to Malayalam cinema.

"an actress of exceptional calibre who brought two National Film Awards for Best Actress to Malayalam cinema - Award Jury"

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 16

Veteran actress Sarada has been selected for the 2024 J.C. Daniel Award for Lifetime Contribution to Malayalam cinema, Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian said here on Friday.

The J.C. Daniel Award, the highest film honour instituted by the Kerala government, carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, a citation and a statuette. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will present the award at the Kerala State Film Awards ceremony scheduled to be held here on January 25.

The awardee was chosen by a jury chaired by noted lyricist and 2017 J.C. Daniel Award winner Sreekumaran Thampi, with actress Urvashi and filmmaker Balu Kiriyath as members, and Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Secretary C. Ajoy.

The jury noted that Sarada is an actress of exceptional calibre who brought two National Film Awards for Best Actress to Malayalam cinema. From the 1960s over two decades, she succeeded in immortalising the Malayali woman on screen. Her restrained and nuanced portrayals vividly captured the suffering, endurance and emotional depth of women of that era.

She won her first National Film Award in 1968 for her performance in Thulabharam. She later earned national recognition again through Adoor Gopalakrishnan's Swayamvaram (1972) and the Telugu film Nimajjanam (1977).

Sarada portrayed several unforgettable characters in films such as Thriveni, Murappennu, Mooladhanam and Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam, the jury observed, adding that she is richly deserving of the state's highest film honour.

Born on June 25, 1945, at Tenali in Andhra Pradesh to Venkateswara Rao and Satyavani Devi, Saraswathi Devi adopted the screen name Sarada while acting in her first Telugu film, Iru Mithrulu. She made her Malayalam debut in 1965 with Inapravukal, written by Muttathu Varkey and directed by Kunchacko.

Films such as Murappennu (directed by Vincent), Iruttinte Athmavu (directed by P. Bhaskaran) and several MT Vasudevan Nair-scripted works made her immensely popular among Malayali audiences.

Sarada has acted in over 125 Malayalam films, including Udyogastha, Yakshi, Adimakal, Asuravithu, Koottukudumbam, Nadi, Ennippadikal, Elippathayam and Rappakal.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Hearty congratulations to Sarada amma! She defined an era of Malayalam cinema. Actors today should study her subtle expressions and body language. A masterclass in acting.
A
Arjun K
While she is undoubtedly a great actress, I feel the cash prize of Rs 5 lakh is too low for the state's highest film honour. In today's times, it should be at least Rs 10-15 lakh to reflect the true value of such a lifetime achievement.
M
Meera T
Her journey from Telugu cinema to becoming a Malayalam icon is inspiring. She brought so much grace and depth to every role. 'Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam' makes me cry every time. A living treasure! ❤️
D
David E
As someone who discovered Malayalam cinema later in life, Sarada's performances in Adoor Gopalakrishnan's films were my introduction. The quiet power she brings to the screen is incredible. Well-deserved recognition.
S
Suresh O
Two National Awards! That says it all. In the golden era of Malayalam cinema, she stood tall among giants. Happy to see this news. My parents' generation adored her. Time for a film festival dedicated to her work.

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