National Award brings honour to Tulu language, says award-winning artist Roopashree Varkady

National Award brings honour to Tulu language, says award-winning artist Roopashree Varkady

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 24, 2026: National Award-winning theatre artist Roopashree Varkady, child actor Atheesh S. Shetty, filmmaker Sumanth Bhat and Kundapura-based Dr Pradeep Kenchanur arrived at Mangaluru International Airport on Wednesday afternoon after receiving honours at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in New Delhi.

The award winners were warmly welcomed at the airport by their family members, friends and well-wishers.

The Kannada film ‘Mithya’ won three National Film Awards. Director and writer Sumanth Bhat received the award in the Best Film category, while child actor Atheesh S. Shetty and supporting actress Roopashree Varkady were also honoured. They received the awards from President Droupadi Murmu at the ceremony held in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Sharing her happiness with the media, Roopashree Varkady said the recognition for artists from Tulu Nadu at the National Film Awards was a major honour for the Tulu language and the region.

“I never expected such a prestigious award when I acted in the film. The love of people from Tulu Nadu, along with the blessings of my parents and the divine, made this recognition possible. It is one of the happiest and most memorable days of my life,” she said.

Roopashree added that she would continue to take up more socially relevant films as an actor and thanked the director, producer and everyone involved in providing her with the opportunity.

Director Sumanth Bhat said the National Award had increased their responsibility as filmmakers.

“Earlier, we made films primarily for our own satisfaction. Now, with this National Award, our responsibility has increased. If people watch and appreciate our films, we need to put in even greater effort and continue improving our work,” he said.

Child actor Atheesh S. Shetty said he had never expected to receive the award and thanked the director and his co-actors for giving him an opportunity in Mithya.

He also expressed gratitude to his parents and his college management for their constant encouragement and support.