Mumbai | November 08, 2005 12:34:29 AM IST
Noted film-maker Ramanand Sagar, who produced the legendary television epic Ramayana, was today felicitated in absentia by the Indian Television Academy (ITA) with a special scroll of honour for his contribution to the small screen. The legendary film-maker could not make it to the awards presentation function tonight and the award was collected by family members on his behalf. Actor and Rajya Sabha member Shatrughan Sinha read out the citation. ''Aaj Tak'' won the ''Best News Channel'' award for the fifth time in succession, while Prabhu Chawla won the ''Best Anchor'' award for his chat show ''Sidhi Baat''. ''Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi'' was adjudged the best serial while Smriti Irani, who plays the protagonist ''Tulsi'' in the same serial, won the ''Best Actress'' award. Hiten Tejwani, who plays ''Karan'' in the same serial was adjudged the Best Actor. ''Star Plus'' won the ''Best Entertainment Channel'' award while ''ESPN'' won the ''Best Sports Channel'' award. MTV bagged the ''Best Music Channel'' award and ''Zee Cinema'' the ''Best Hindi Movie Channel'' award.
The recently-concluded ''Fame Gurukul'' was voted the ''Best Reality Show''.