Filmmaker Tapan Sinha gets lifetime achievement award

Kolkata, June 20 (IANS) Eminent filmmaker Tapan Sinha was conferred Friday with the 'One Time Award for Lifetime Achievement' here.

The award was given to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Independence.

'I feel rejuvenated by getting this award. But I don't think that I have achieved it all because there is no end to learning and cinema. Hence, the process of learning will continue till I die,' Tapan Sinha said after receiving the award from Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi and West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi at his residence.

'The national awards function will be held at Delhi's Vigyan Bhavan in August. But due to his fast deteriorating health we have decided to present him the award now,' Dasmunsi said.

He announced his ministry will henceforth bear Sinha's medical expenses.

Dasmunsi added he has been an admirer of Sinha's films since childhood.

'I know the dialogues of all of Sinha's films by heart. This is an emotional moment for me as well, as I present this award to the veteran filmmaker,' said Dasmunsi.

Expressing his admiration for the filmmaker, Gandhi said Sinha's films have enriched national cinema and given it international recognition.

The award comprised of a cheque of Rs.1,000,000 ($25,000), a shawl and a citation.

Sinha has won 19 national film awards in various categories along with laurels in international film festivals like those in Berlin, Venice, London, Moscow, San Francisco and Locarno.

Some of his cinematic excellence includes 'Ankush' (1954), 'Uphaar' (1955), 'Safed Haathi' (1977), 'Ek Doctor Ki Maut' (1991), 'Kabuliwala' (1957), 'Haatey Bazaare' (1967), 'Louhapat' (1957), 'Sagina Mahato' (1970) and 'Shatabdir Kanya' (2001).