Poornima, Raja talk on winning National Awards

Make-up artist Raja never imagined that someday in his life he would win a National Award. In fact, when the awards were announced last evening and his work was recognised, Raja did not believe it and it took a few calls to convince him that he actually won the National Award for best make-up artist for Tamil teen crime-thriller Vazhakku En 18/9.

"Initially when someone called me to tell me the news, I thought it was a prank. However, it was only after the calls started pouring in that I was convinced I had indeed won the award. I have received such an honour after 33 years in the industry," Raja told IANS.

"Thanks to this award, I suppose at least now a bunch of people will recognize me for the work I have been doing for so many years," he added.

How many films have he worked as make-up artist?
"I'm sorry, I seriously didn't keep track of the number of films. Had I known that some day I would be asked this question after winning the nation award, I would have kept track of the number of films," he added. Continue reading the story on the slideshow...

A Still From Vazhakku En 18/9

Raja claims that he has worked in recent Tamil films such as Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu, Naan Mahaan Alla and Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai. Vazhakku En 18/9 directed by Balaji Sakthivel, also won the National Award for best feature film in Tamil.

A Still From Vazhakku En 18/9

On the other end, Poornima Ramaswamy, after winning the National Award for best costume designer for Tamil period-drama Paradesi, headed straight to director Bala's residence.

A Still From Paradesi

"I'm honoured to receive a National Award for my debut film. How many would be blessed with such an honour for their first film? I'm on my way to Bala sir's house to share my happiness with him because had not it been for him, I would have been nobody," Poornima told IANS.

A Still From Paradesi

"Besides Bala sir, I have to credit my team that was involved in the research work for getting everything in place for my work. It is a period film and, therefore, a lot of research work was needed to be executed with so many deadlines," she added.