Shaji N Karun helped elevate IFFK to global standards: KSCA chairman Prem Kumar
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Renowned filmmaker Shaji N Karun, who passed away in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, left an indelible mark on the Malayalam film industry. The founding chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, Shaji initiated the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) as a competitive and highly acclaimed global event. The event gained recognition from the International Federation of Film Producers Association (FIAPF) because of his relentless effort.
The current chairman of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, Prem Kumar, said Shaji was instrumental in shaping the IFFK. 'He helped elevate the festival's status on the global stage. I considered him my mentor. After joining the academy, I had the opportunity to work with him and we shared a warm relationship. His demise is a huge loss for the Chalachitra Academy,' said Prem Kumar.
According to him, Shaji maintained contacts with people across the world and helped the academy select movies for IFFK. 'He was even involved in deciding the guests to be invited for the festival,' Prem Kumar added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
Union Minister slams Kamal Haasan, says he made Kannada remark for publicity
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Friday strongly criticised actor Kamal Haasan for his recent comments about the Kannada language, accusing him of making 'a controversial statement' for political gain and to reporters in Karnataka, Karandlaje said Haasan, once a widely admired actor, had now transitioned into politics and was seeking to remain relevant. 'Everyone's value (popularity) will not be the same all the time. Haasan was a big actor and hero at one point. Everyone used to like him,' she he has become a politician. So, to increase his value (politically) and for publicity, he made a controversial statement. He already worked in Karnataka. He ate here, he drank water here. That he forgot. He gave that statement for the sake of politics and publicity. This will not work. But Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam are not different. We all work together,' she added. Karandlaje further accused Haasan of trying to sow discord. 'The actor wants to create problems between the states and languages,' she Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) on Friday announced that Thug Life, which is scheduled for a grand release on June 5, has been banned in Karnataka following Kamal Haasan's refusal to issue a public a press meet on Friday, Haasan said he believes in the rule of law and justice and that his love for Karnataka is sincere. The actor, who earlier claimed that 'Kannada was born out of Tamil,' stood by his comment and dismissed demands for a public apology. He said he would only apologise if he were wrong, which he believes is not the I'm wrong, I'll apologise. If I'm not, I won't. This is my lifestyle, please don't tamper with it,' the 70-year-old actor told India Today, responding to the ongoing row. 'India is a democratic country, and I believe in law and justice,' he a pro-Kannada group, Kannada Rakshana Vedike (KRV) issued a stern warning to distributors and theatre owners in Karnataka. KRV President Narayan Gowda demanded that if Thug Life is barred from release in the state and Kamal Haasan incurs major financial losses, distributors must return his money and firmly convey to the producer and Haasan that the film cannot be released in Karnataka against the sentiments of Kannadigas.'There is no question of making any request in this matter,' Gowda asked what the outfit would do if the movie is released regardless, he responded, 'We will burn down all those theatres.' IN THIS STORY#Karnataka#Tamil Nadu
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Meet Aydan Nix: Gigi and Bella Hadid's secret half-sister they only met in 2023
Gigi and Bella Hadid have welcomed a new half-sister, Aydan Nix, into their family after she discovered Mohamed Hadid is her father through a genetic test. Aydan, a 23-year-old designer, connected with the Hadid sisters in 2023. The family is now focused on supporting Aydan while respecting her privacy as she navigates this new chapter. Supermodel sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid have a surprise addition to their family—23-year-old budding designer Aydan Nix, their half-sister they only discovered in 2023. In a statement to Daily Mail, the Hadids confirmed the news, revealing how the unexpected family connection came to light. Aydan is the daughter of Gigi and Bella's father, Mohamed Hadid, and Terri Hatfield Dull. The sisters shared that Aydan was born from a brief romance between Mohamed and Terri. Raised in Florida, Aydan knew another man as her father until his sudden death at age 19. After taking a genetic test, she discovered her Hadid roots. Aydan, a recent Parsons School of Design graduate, finally connected with Gigi and Bella in 2023. A portion of their statement read, 'She's spent time with all of us, including our dad, and we've cherished this unexpected and beautiful addition to our family. As siblings, we've had many open and loving conversations— with Aydan included —about how to support and protect her. Aydan and her family value their privacy, and we fully respect that. We kindly ask others to do the same and honor her wish and right to her anonymity as she continues her life as a young woman in New York. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo ' According to the report, Mohamed and Terri's relationship ended before he knew Terri was pregnant. Though he allegedly always knew about Aydan, he never provided financial support. Aydan and Mohamed share a cordial relationship, and he was expected at her May graduation but didn't attend. He has yet to acknowledge her publicly. Mohamed Hadid has two children, Marielle and Alana, from his first wife, Mary Butler. From his second marriage to Yolanda Hadid, he has three children: Gigi, Bella, and Anwar. Aydan is his youngest child. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Rajesh's unfulfilled dream: A humble actor's wish to collaborate with Kamal Haasan
Rajesh was a revered veteran actor in Tamil cinema, known for his ability to portray relatable, heartfelt characters with subtlety and grace. Over a prolific career spanning more than five decades, he appeared in over 150 films across Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam industries, earning the love of audiences for his natural, everyman performances. Beyond his on-screen presence, Rajesh was respected for his humility, discipline, and intellectual curiosity, which set him apart in an industry often dominated by glamour. Rajesh's unfulfilled collaboration with Kamal Haasan Rajesh once dreamed of directing a film with Kamal Haasan, a collaboration that sadly never came to fruition. Despite this, Kamal has always spoken highly of Rajesh's talent and character, praising how he never sought to be a movie star but rather a sincere artist who connected deeply with his roles. Kamal also admired Rajesh's disciplined lifestyle, he never smoked, drank, or engaged in distractions, reflecting a rare dedication and integrity. Kamal Haasan's tribute: Celebrating Rajesh's intellectual curiosity and passion Following Rajesh's demise, Kamal Haasan expressed his deep sorrow highlighting the actor's intellectual curiosity and passion for reading and reflection through a post on X. 'Among the sought-after performers, my dear friend Rajesh was the one who read the most and thought deeply about what he read,' Kamal Haasan wrote on social media. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like '5월 한정, 직장인 대상 대출 가능 여부 무료 조회 급증' 신청 몰려 조기 마감 우려 직장인 대출 센터 더 읽기 Undo He noted that Rajesh lived his life with undiminished enthusiasm and activity until the very end, making his loss profoundly sad for the Tamil cinema community and beyond. An enduring legacy beyond the screen Rajesh's legacy is marked not only by his memorable performances but also by the respect he commanded from peers and fans alike. His passing leaves a void in Tamil cinema, but his inspiring life and unfulfilled dream remain a poignant reminder of a humble artist whose soulful presence will be cherished forever. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
