Kamal launches book on Gemini

Kamal Haasan on Tuesday evening launched a book on Gemini Ganesan, the ‘Kadhal Mannan’ of Tamil cinema. Titled ‘Eternal Romantic – My Father Gemini Ganesan’, the book is written by the late actor’s daughter and journalist Narayani Ganesh.

Kamal, who also wrote the foreword to the book, said, “I have never seen Gemini upset. He was always happiness personified. He was the one who taught me a lot, including English language skills.”

Dr. Saroja Devi Award for Geethapriya

Director and lyricist Geethapriya alias Lakshman Rao Mohite was awarded the Dr B Saroja Devi National Award for 2012, here on Saturday. The award also carries a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.

His debut film, the 1968 Rajkumar starrer Mannina Maga, won a National award; he has directed around 30 films and has won the Puttanna Kanagal Award. Actress Dr Saroja Devi, who presented the award to Geethapriya, said, “I am immensely pleased to present the award as it brings back old memories. I wonder if films like Mannina Maga will be ever made again. I wonder why such films are not being made anymore.

Lifetime award for Sarojadevi  21 02 2008 (from Kollywoodtoday.com)

Thespian Dilip Kumar’s ill health has delayed the government’s plans to honour him, singing legend Lata Mangeshkar, Bengali director Tapan Sinha and south Indian actress B. Saroja Devi. “Dilip Kumar is not keeping well, so he is not able to come to Delhi.

We will have the ceremony whenever he is fit enough to travel,” said Neelam Kapur, additional director general of the Directorate of Film Festivals. The information and broadcasting ministry has chosen the four artists for lifetime achievement awards for their contribution to Indian cinema.