Dhag wins big at inaugural Prabhat awards

Dhag,a poignant story of a young boy who wants to break the monotony of traditional jobs taken up by his family belonging to a low caste,won five awards,including best film and best director,at the inaugural edition of the Prabhat Puruskar on Saturday. Directed by Shivaji Lotan Patil,the film had already created ripples winning three National Awards this year. The function was held on the MIT campus in Kothrud and attended by stalwarts of the Prabhat Film Company,such as Vasanti Patel,Baby Shakuntala,Yashwant Damle and Pandit Damle.

Sumitra Bhave’s Samhita bagged awards for sound recording,make-up and costumes. Among other top awards,Devika Daftardar won best actress for Samhita,while the best actor award was shared by Vikram Gokhale,Anumati and Sachin Khedekar for Kaksparsh.

Special awards were conferred on film academicians such as PK Nair,Isak Mujawar,Shashikant Kenikar and Shirish Pai. Nair said,“I am honoured to receive this award. There are so many wonderful memories attached with the Prabhat Film Company. This award is a culmination of sorts.”

The biggest award of the night was given to Dr Shriram Lagoo for his contribution to Indian cinema.