Despite rain, rival film galas shine

Winners of the Jharkhand Film Fare Award at Michael John Auditorium in Jamshedpur on Thursday. Picture by Bhola Prasad

Jamshedpur, May 5: Torrential rain could not dampen the spirit of the Jharkhand Cine Awards and Jharkhand Film Fare Award events today, which sparkled despite inclement weather.

In the best tradition of the movies, the villain tried to play spoilsport, but ultimately the two heroes, or the competing Santhali film awards nights, triumphed over odds.

While Jharkhand Cine Awards was held at Gopal Maidan, Jharkhand Film Fare Award was hosted at Michael John Auditorium, Bistupur. The events were hosted on the occasion of the birthday of Santhali writer Pundit Raghunath Murmu.

The second edition of Jharkhand Cine Awards also marked the conclusion of the first Santhali and regional film festival organised by All India Santhali Film Association (AISFA). Initially, the rain played spoilsport which led to a delayed start. The arrival of chief minister Arjun Munda and deputy chief minister Hemant Soren was uncertain, thanks to the inclement weather.

“The weather could have been a deterrent but we managed to overcome challenges. All sound and light systems had to be changed in a very short span of time,” said Ramesh Hansda, president of AISFA.

“At one point of time, we thought we might have to shelve the event today, but thankfully the weather did not get worse,” said filmmaker Dashrath Hansda.

Rains were forgotten when the awards started raining. The gala recognised and honoured a number of upcoming and veteran Santhali film personalities in front of and behind the camera.

P.N. Kalundia, a well-known Santhali actor, was given Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Santhali and regional cinemas with a cash prize of Rs 25,000.

Other awardees were producers, actors, lyricists, music directors, scriptwriters and directors, each of whom received a trophy and cash prize of Rs 5,000.

“If people can watch French, German and Russian movies at international film festivals, why not Santhali ones? We have asked filmmakers to provide subtitles and reach a wider audience,” said Hansda.

Pt Raghunath Academy of Santhali Cinema and Art (RASCA), which organised Jharkhand Film Fare Award, gave away trophies and certificates to Santhali film personalities across 30 categories.

“I have been a part of this award ceremony after a gap of two years and now I have bagged an award which proves my calibre in acting. Since there are two award ceremonies simultaneously on tonight, I am also expecting a recognition at Jharkhand Cine Award,” smiled Geetam Hansda, a comedian who won an award for Santhali film Poran Porayni at RASCA.