JOIN USMangaloreans bask in film award glory
They are amazed at their own boy's feat at such a young age. Rajath Kamal award for ‘Gaggara,’ a Tulu film by Shivadhwaj, has added to the pride.
The 28-year-old Abhaya Simha, who was born and brought up in Mangalore, studied up to graduation (2003) at St Aloysius College in the City. Having his BA degree in Journalism, English and Kannada literatures, the multi-faceted talent was keen on building his career in the film field.
As per his wish, Abhaya got an entry into Pune-based Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and graduated from it in 2006. As the youngster himself identifies, the institute gave his career a new direction. Speaking to Deccan Herald, Abhaya said the award has come as a motivation for his future endeavours. “My humble beginning in this great medium has been recognised with such esteemed honour and I am grateful to everyone who trusted me for such a prestigious award,” he said.
Abhaya's father G N Ashokavardhana, who runs ‘Athree', a book shop in the City, is a noted personality among environmentalists and art admirers. Reacting to his son's achievement, he said, the family was naturally excited with the recognition. “Like all other boys, Abhaya too had no clear picture about his future during his school days.
However, as he was pursuing his graduation, his intimacy with cameras became strong,” Ashokavardhana, the son of eminent science writer late G T Narayana Rao said.
Fr Richard Rego, the Head of the Department of Journalism at St Aloysius College, who taught Abhaya for three years, said he is proud that his student has got a national recognition at such a young age.
“We feel proud of his achievement. He was very much interested in films and photography as a student. The campus TV news bulletin, which he started in his final year, is still continuing,” Rego said.
Dr Na Damodar Shetty, a writer and a theatre personality, who taught Abhaya, said the Mangaloreans had felt injustice was done to the young director when his film was not selected for the State award last year. “Now, we are proud and satisfied that he got the Swarna Kamal,” he said.
Abhaya has over 11 short films and 20 documentaries to his credit, including a musical album for Palash Sen. He also directed ‘Euphoria,' a popular music video.
Gubbacchigalu had been screened at International Film Festival of India in Goa in 2009. It was also selected for screening at different prestigious film festivals in New York, Los Angeles, Montreal and Germany. As recognition to his talent and achievements, the young director has been included in an expert panel that will be visiting Germany in February.