Aamir Khan wins best debut director award

The eminent actor Kamal Hassan and Director S S Rao when announced in a press conference in Chennai that Aamir Khan has won the esteemed 11th “Gollapudi Srinivas Memorial Award” for Best Directorial Debut for his film 'Taare Zameen Par', did not surprise many. Rather it sent delight among his fans for adding another feather to his already feathered cap.

The Chennai based Gollapudi Srinivas Memorial award has become one of the most popular awards in the film industry over the years and was set up by a reputed Telugu writer Gollapudi Maruti Rao in the memory of his son who died in an accident while shooting his debut film. Since 1998 this trust has been bestowing the best Indian directorial debutante of the year.

The film was picked among 19 nominations from across the country unanimously by the panel of judges including noted director S S Rao, former director of Federation of Film Society Kalyanaraman and Foundation managing trustee Gollapudi Maruthi Rao.

Aamir will receive this award in Chennai on August 12 which embraces a cash prize of Rs 1, 50,000 and a memento.

Announcing the award winner, Kamal Haasan said, “Aamir is the unanimous choice for this award. As a popular star, why a star, a Superstar in Bollywood, he could have chosen any theme that could have been boosting to his image. But he underplayed himself and proved his passion towards the industry. For your information Aamir worked four years as assistant director before making his own film.”

S S Rao said, “Casting is one of the responsibilities of the director. The boy, who is cast as the eight year old, is perfect for the role and the credit goes to the director naturally.”

Gollapudi Maruthi Rao said the film was “a poignant human statement by an exceptionally gifted film hero-turned- director.”

Aamir’s Directorial Debut has won him accolades across the world for the sensitive portrayal of a dyslexic child and a strong message through his flick. He entered million’s hearts by being a reason in their life in an impressive way.

With this award he also became the only director of Hindi film to win this award.