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Vijay TV to air International Tamil Film Awards on 14 Dec
MUMBAI: While the Hindi film industry is swarming with awards dime to a dozen be it national or international, it was just a while before the Southern movies gave their superstars some global reckoning.
The Tamil film industry held its first ever International Tamil Film awards (ITFA) on 12 October 12 at `The Arena of Stars,’ Genting Highlands, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Vijay TV will be telecasting the show on Sunday, 14 December 14, 2003 at 11:30 am.
Anuradha Sriram
ITFA was instituted to appreciate, honor and recognize celebrities and artistes who have contributed toward the success of the Tamil film industry at an international level.
The committee bought together a panel of veterans to adjudge four nominations in each of the 23 categories. The nominations include best film, best actor and best director. There is also a lifetime achievement award.
Simaran reciving the Best Actress Award
The ‘City of entertainment’ – Genting Highlands was full of Tamilians for all the three award nights from 11 to 13 October, says a Vijay TV release. The awards brought in people from different parts of the world like South Africa, UAE, Australia, US, UK and Sri Lanka.
Vikram with the Best Actor Award
The highlight of the evening, including mesmerizing melodies of UnniKrishnan, Tippu, Harini and dance numbers by Alponza.
According to the release, Star’s Tamil channel zeroed on the award function keeping in trend with audince tastes. Besides Tamil Nadu’s heartthrobs, the prestigious award function also showcases the brains behind the making of films- the film technicians.
ITFA Awards winners list:
Category Winner
Best Actor Vikram
Best Character Actor Prakash Raj
Best Comedian (Male) Vivek
Best Playback Singer (Male) Srinivas
Best Debutante (Male) Srikanth
Up-coming Singer (Male) Karthik
Best Choreographer Dinesh
Best Director Mani Rathnam
Best Music Director Bharadhvaj
Best Lyricist P Vijay
Best Actress Simran
Best Character Actress Devyani
Best comedian (Female) Kovai Sarla
Best Playback Singer (Female) Anuradha Sriram
Best Debutante (Female) Trisha
Up-coming Singer (Female) Chinmayi
Best Film Kannathil Muthamittal
Best Villain Kalabhavan Mani
Best Cameraman Ravi K Chandran
Life Time Achievement Award Bharathi Raja
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
