Bhubaneswar, June 29: The 47th annual Banichitra award ceremony was held at Rabindra Mandap here yesterday.

Film stars, theatre and jatra artistes, writers, and popular faces from television programmes got together to see who wins what.

Theatre artiste Ajit Das received the lifetime achievement award for his contribution to the cultural spectrum of the state. Veteran actor Pradyumna Lenka was presented the Dhirendranath Biswal award for his works in Odia movies.

Das said: "It feels great to receive such admiration for something one has lived for."

He added that theatre was one of the best media to educate youths about various social issues. "I feel it is still limited to a few towns and districts of the state. Hence, our primary aim should be to conduct workshops and promote artistes from the rural areas," said Das.

Comedy flick Ame Ta Toka Sandha Marka bagged most of the awards for this year including the best film. R. Bhagat Singh, the film's director, got the best director award. While Papu Pom Pom was crowned as the best actor, Koel Mishra took home the best actress award.

Famous couple of the Odia film industry - Sabyasachi Mishra and Archita Sahu - won the most popular actor and most popular actress awards, respectively. Their film Smile Please (2014) was one of the biggest hits of the year. The couple will be next seen together in Pilata Bigidigala.

"Fans play the most supportive role in an artiste's life and I am very happy to have received their encouragement constantly," said Mishra.

Biju Badajena and Pushpa Panda each got an award for their character roles. While Sritam Das walked away with the best actor in a negative role award for his film One Way Traffic, Salil Mishra was presented the best comedian award for Om. Other award categories were meant for makeup artistes, film poster designers, television anchors and small screen actors. Artistes from theatre and jatra were also honoured at the event. Around 47 awards were presented this year.

A special performance by comedian Gyana Hota won huge applause from the audience. Veteran jatra actor Kailash Behera's recitation of a few dialogues from his plays was also appreciated. Both of them were honoured for their contribution to the small screen and folk theatre, respectively. The evening also witnessed other cultural programmes including an enthralling dance show.