Two new awards introduced in Pulotsav

PulotsaV, the 13-day cultural extravaganza that begins on Saturday will mark the introduction of two new awards 8211;Pu La Krutadnyata Sanman for outstanding social work and Pu la Jeevan Gaurav Sanman for veteran artists.

PulotsaV, the 13-day cultural extravaganza that begins on Saturday will mark the introduction of two new awards 8211;Pu La Krutadnyata Sanman for outstanding social work and Pu la Jeevan Gaurav Sanman for veteran artists. This year, Dr Prakash and Dr Mandakini Amte, will receive the Pu La Krutadnyata Sanman for their work in Gadchiroli and Bhamragad, while veteran actress Sulochana Didi, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday, will receive the Jeevan Gaurav Sanman.

8220;Pu La and Sunitatai have always been generous in doing charity without publicity. The Pu La Krutadnyata award is a way of acknowledging their gesture,8221; said Virendra Chitrav, secretary of Aashay Sanskrutik 8211;the organisers of the festival. The award consists of memento, citation and Rs 25,000 cash. Aparna Velankar will hold an open interview of the Amte couple after the award presentation on November 18 at Yashwantrao Chavan auditorium at 5 pm. There will also be an open interview of Sulochana Didi by Sudhir Gadgil after honouring her with Pu La Jeevan Gaurav Sanman on November 19 at 5 pm in the venue.

This year, film director Vijaya Mehta will be awarded the Pu La Smruti Sanman consisting of a citation, memento and Rs one lakh cash prize. The award presentations on November 08 followed by her open interview by journalist and author Ambarish Mishra and actor Neena Kulkarni. A major attraction of this festival will be screening of original recordings of three plays directed by Vijaya Mehta viz. Shakuntal, Wada Chirebandi and Hamidabai ki Kothi.

Other than that, Pu La Sparsh, where veteran theatre personalities, litteacute;rateurs and artists will share their experiences about Pu La and revive his contributions to the art field. An interview with leading radio jockeys in the city is also an added feature of this year8217;s Pulotsav.

The annual feature 8211;Paalvi, where young talent is given a chance to participate is being turned into a competition from this year.

Hence, the 10 nominated participants from various cities in Maharashtra will compete with each other in classical singing and three winners will perform on November 12. Also, the Pu La Tarunai Sanman, where audience vote and decide the winners from nominated participants, will take place on November 20. Pulotsav will be concluded at Yashwantrao Chavan auditorium with a performance by winners of the Pu La Tarunai Sanman.

Organised by Aashay Sanskrutik and Paranjpe Schemes, Kirloskar Proprieties and Lagu Bandhu, the festival will be inaugurated by veteran poet Vinda Karandikar.

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Other than documentaries, films and drama, the festival will also have book exhibition, painting exhibition. Pulotsav be held at National Film Archive of India NFAI, Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha and Pathfinder.