Although one Kannada –Vimukthi’ of P Seshadri and one Tulu film ‘Gaggara’ by Shivadwaj in the best regional category and one best children film ‘Gubbachchigalu’ by Abhay Simha were notable films in the just announced 56th National awards by Union Information Minister Ambika Soni there are some more pride Kannadigas too.

Prominent among the Kannada speaking artists and technicians films that got awards are – charming Ramya is the female lead in ‘Vaaranam Aayiram’ (starring Surya Shivakumar, Sameera Reddy directed by Gautham Menon – film released on 14 November 2008) best Tamil regional film, Umesh Kulkarni of national award winning film ‘Shankanadha’ bagged the honor for this time for the best direction for his work 'Three of Us'. 'Three of us' also got the award for Best Cinematography. Another Kannada speaking girl Priyamani’s ‘Theerakkadha’ also bagged the best regional film for Malayalam.

This time 126 films were in the fray for national awards. HM Ramachandra the ace cameraman and husband of Dr Jayamala was in jury that was headed by Shaji N. Karun.

The national award for best actress goes to Priyanka Chopra for ‘Fashion’ while best actor award goes to Upendra Limaye for his performance in Marathi feature film ‘Jogva’.

The awards presentation will take place in Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on March 10. The veteran Kannadiga VK Murthy will receive the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award for his contribution to cinematography from President of India Smt Pratibha Devisingh Patil.