The MIT World Peace University in Pune, Bharat Asmita Foundation and MIT School of Government in Pune are to present the 18th Bharat Asmita National Awards at a felicitation ceremony that is to take place online today, 3rd February 2022. This is the 18th year where the MIT group will be presenting these esteemed personalities for their prominent contribution to the country. The goal is to honour these personalities which in turn will inspire the youth of the nation to take forward their legacy.
Of all the people receiving this award, Mani Ratnam is one among them who is given this great honour for best use of acting/direction. It is no surprise that he is to be receiving this as it is very apt. The Indian director, screenwriter and producer has proven worthy of this accolade ever since the release of his 1986 romantic drama Mouna Ragam which was a box-office success paving his way as a leading filmmaker in Tamil cinema. He has proven his mettle as a filmmaker with movies like Thalapathy, Nayagan, Thiruda Thiruda, Anjali, Agni Natchathiram, Roja, Bombay, Dil Se (Uyire), Alaipayuthey, Iruvar, Aayutha Ezhuthu, Oh Kaadhal Kanmani, Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, and more.
With such a rich contribution towards both Bollywood and Kollywood (Tamil film industry), he made himself known for his multilevel skills may. Six of his films have won National Film Awards in the past. In 2002, the government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri, recognizing his contributions to his art form. Apart from Mani Ratnam, also receiving the same award is Shankar Mahadevan who is a well establied singer in the Indian film industry. He has been felicitated with several prestigious awards, like the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer, other awards bestowed on him at private award ceremonies as well as the prestigious Padma Shri Award for his contributions to Film Music under the Art category.
