‘Anthu’ sweeps first-ever Konkani film awards

The film `Anthu’, in Gowd Saraswath Brahmin (GSB) Konkani dialect, swept most of the awards including ‘best film’ at the first Hyssna Global Konkani Cine Awards organised at Kalaangann.

Karopady Akshay Nayak who directed the film Anthu won ‘best director’.

Sujay Shanubhag who played the lead role was awarded best actor (male) and another actor (female) Poornima Suresh was presented with best-supporting actor award. Ester Noronha who played the lead female role in the film ‘Sophiya...A Dream Girl’; won the best actor (female) award.

Ester Noronha told DH, after receiving the award, that she had been a part of the Konkani industry from the age of eight.

“I have been on the stage as a Konkani singer, with well-known music composers. I have an emotional connection with this award because Konkani is my mother-tongue. I dedicate this award to my mother, who produced the film and has always been my guiding lamp,” she added.

Sujay Shanubhag who won the best actor award said the recognition was a huge motivation to work harder in his next project. “I urge both Konkani and non-Konkani speakers to watch Konkani movies and support the Konkani film industry,” he added.

Multilingual actor Prakash Rai hailed Konkani speaking communities as ambassadors who save and nurture Konkani culture. “Whether it is a big or a small film, the effort is the same,” he said after presenting the awards to the winners at Kalaangann.

Mandd Sobhann Gurkar Eric Ozerio and President Louis J Pinto honoured Prakash Rai, Ronald Pinto of Hyssna International, Nelson Rodricks (Dubai) and Dixon D’Souza of Dubois Production.

Ronald Pinto said cinema was a high investment industry and urged Konkanis to support Konkani cinema.

Goan nightingale-Lorna sang songs by Chris Perry. Naach Sobhann dance crew entertained the audience with their performance.

Awards presented in eight categories

* Best Film: Anthu

* Best Director: Karopady Akshay Nayak (Anthu)

* Best Actor (Male): Sujay Shanubhag (Anthu)

* Best Actor (Female): Ester Noronha (Sophiya...A Dream Girl)

* Best supporting actor (Male): Ron Rodrigues (Ek Aslyar Ek Na)

* Best supporting actor (female): Poornima Suresh (Anthu)

* Best script: Harry Fernandes (Sophiya...A Dream Girl)

* Best Music: Christ Silva/Joel Fernandes/Tyron Noronha (Connection)

* Short film category Amche Ghor.