Bhubaneswar, Feb. 24: For spot boy Ram Singh, it's "better late than never".
Having worked in over 100 films, 45-year-old Singh has become a familiar face in the film fraternity. Though he has been associated with the industry for the past 20 years, recognition for his contribution to the cinema came "a bit late".
Thanks to the Odia Film Fair Awards, which, in a unique move, has decided to confer on Singh the Best Spot Boy award. This year, the authorities, who are organising the Odia Film Fair Awards, have decided to felicitate some of the unsung heroes of the industry.
A number of spot boys, who have been associated with the industry over the years, will be felicitated.
A cultural outfit, White Canvas Foundation, is conducting the awards ceremony, which is in its fifth edition, to identify talents from the Odia film industry.
"We visited a number of sets and spoke to the cast and crew of various films about their favourite spot boys. They may not be seen on screen, but without them, no production house can function properly," said Ullash Chandra Behura, a member of the organising committee.
Besides, comedian and character actor Jayiram Samal will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Samal, who began his career in the 1970s, has worked in over 300 films, plays and television serials. On the occasion, a documentary on Samal will be screened. In the Best Actor (Male) category, heartthrobs of the films industry - Babushan, Anubhab Mohanty, Amlan Das, Sabyasachi and Arindam Roy are nominated. Archita Sahu, Barsha Priyadarshini, Jhilik Bhattacharya and Riya are vying for the Best Actor (female) award.
Awards will be given in a number of other categories such as Best Director, Best Singer (male and female), Best Lyricist, Best Actor in a comic and negative role and Best Choreographer among others.
The evening will also witness a number of performances by the Prince Dance Group and little dancing star Padmini Rout. Vocalists Satyajit Pradhan, Antara Chakroborty, Aviram Anwesha and Bagmi Bhattacharya will also perform at the event.
The ceremony will be end at Utkal Mandap on Saturday.
