Legendary K. Vishwanath gets Phalke
His classic Shankarabharanam put Telugu cinema on world map
The director who changed the face of Telugu cinema, Kasinathuni Viswanath, popularly kno-wn as Kalathapasvi Viswanath, has been honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2016. The government announced the award on Monday. This is the highest award in the field of cinema. His film Shankarabharanam changed Telugu cinema and took it into the international arena.
Viswanath started his career as a sound recordist with Vahini Pictures. Akkineni Nageswara Rao spotted his talent and asked him to join Annapurna Pictures. Viswanath worked as assistant director to Adurthi Subba Rao and debuted as director with Atma Gouravam in 1965, with Nageswara Rao in the lead. He never looked back since then. Though he directed many stars, he always believed in his style of storytelling and the content of his film for success.
There are no vulgar, double entendre dialogues in his films, which are pleasant, steeped in the local ethos, and with music, dance and traditional art forms. His film Swathi Muthyam not only won a National Award, but was also India’s official entry to the 59th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Film category. His other films Sirivennela, Saptapadi, Sutradharulu, Sruthi-layalu, Swathikiranam, Subha Sankalpam, Swayam Krushi and Swarna Kamalam won national and state awards.
Viswanath chooses a simple and uncomplicated story and gives film lovers a pleasant treat. Most of his stories are related to the common man and what is happening in such homes or with their neighbours.
‘I want to remain just Viswanath’ Born on February 19, 1930, at Gudivada in Andhra Pradesh, K. Viswanath was awarded the Padmasri in 1992 and has won five National Awards, 20 Nandi Awards and 10 Filmfare Awards, including one for Lifetime Achievement.
Asked whether he wants to continue as an actor or he is thinking about returning to direction, he said, “I am not thinking anything at present as I want to be just K. Viswanath.”
Congratulations flowed in thick and fast from the Telugu film industry after the Phalke Award was announced.
Chiranjeevi, Kamal Haasan, Jr NTR and many other actors and directors wished him for an honour that hails Telugu cinema as well.
“Rare honour for Kalatapasvi K Viswanath and it’s a proud moment for Telugu cinema,” Jr NTR tweeted.
“A deserving accolade for a brilliant filmmaker & an honour for Telugu Cinema,” said Nandamuri Kalyanram.
“We feel happy that the Dada Saheb Phalke Award has been given to K. Viswanath. He is a proud personality for the Telugu film industry,” Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan.
“My K. Viswanath gaaru is a Dada Saheb Phalke award winner. In his humility he would say ‘I am lucky’. Truth is, Indians are lucky. So am I. Thank u with glistening eyes Viswanath gaaru for Sagara sangamam. Like Balu of SS I initiate more applause. Your fame is mine vice versa,” Kamal Haasan.