Allu Award presented to Kalathapaswi K Viswanadh            Oct 1st 2008

Pleasant moments marked the 5th annual conferment of "Jatheeya Purashkara Pradhanotsavam – 2008" of Padmashri Dr. Allu Ramalingaiah Kalapeetam on veteran director Dr. K. Viswanath, Harihara Kalabhavan, Secunderabad tonight, coinciding with the 87th birth anniversary of the late comedian. Praja Rajyam Party President Dr. K. Chiranjeevi, Allu Arvind, Allu Arjun, Dr. Venkateswara Rao (Chiru's co-brother), Ex-MP Chegondi Harirama Jogaiah, playback singer P. Susheela, PRP key functionary KSR Murthy, Yedida Nageswara Rao, Venu Madhav, Duvvasi Mohan and others were present. P. Susheela lit the lamp and formally launched the start of the function. The Kalapeetham president Saripalli Kondalrao organized the event.

On this occasion, "Allu" family members jointly honored Dr. K. Viswanath with the prestigious "Jatheeya Purashkaram", memento and shawl. Chiranjeevi personally put on the "Swarna kankanam" on the famed director. Allu Arvind presented silk clothes to Viswanath and his spouse. A "veena" was also presented to him.

Apathbandhavudu, Swayam Krishi endeared me to people: Chiru
Speaking on this occasion, Chiranjeevi recalled his association with late Allu Ramalingaiah, his father-in-law. "I feel honored to be associated with Allu Ramalingiah garu. It was my great luck that I became his son-in-law. More than a comedian, he is a great humanist and philosopher. For the last five years, this National Honor was limited to the fraternity of comedians only. But, this time, we are pleased to present the honor to Viswanath garu. I can never forget the moments I spent with him with the films Subhalekha, Apathbandhavudu and Swayam Krishi. Apathbandhavudu and Swayam Krishi helped me getting nearer to some section of the people. They are milestones in my career. Working with Viswanath garu at the beginning of my career really helped me to be humble in the industry, besides inculcating respect for the elders and elite people. One more thing, I hold close attachment to the film of Sankarabharanam, though I didn't act in the film. It was during the preview of the film that I first saw Surekha (his wife). It also made me realize the difficult moments in acting and prompted me to go for perfection in my profession. Charan (Ramcharan Tej) also wants to work in the direction of Viswanath garu. I hope it will become a reality. I wish great health and happiness and prosperity to Viswanath garu. I also wish that the legacy of Allu Ramalingiah garu would be carried forward for all the years to come."

Allu is a great spiritualist: Viswanath
Dr. Viswanath (wearing somehow modern dress) said: "I know that today my dress sense is something different. It was Allu Ramalingaiah garu who educated me about the dress sense, saying that we should look modern always. Generally, I don't wear modern costumes. Today, I did it because of my regard for the late actor and my close associate and friend. People know him mostly as a comedian. But, he was a spiritualist. He ever liked Gandhism and teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Doing Sankarabharanam, I really troubled Allu for the role Madhavaiah (which he liked most). I honestly feel that I deserve receiving this honor. By taking this, I feel delighted as it is an opportunity for me to recall my moments with him. My wife also came with me. She wanted to see Chiranjeevi. She said that Chiranjeevi would become busy in the coming days as political leader. So, I brought her so that she could see him. I wish Chiranjeevi all the best in his public life."

Susheela said that she could never forget her association with Viswanath, particularly for the films she worked with Chiranjeevi. She further recalled her moments spent with Allu. "When I received the award Padma Bushan, he was not here with us. This made me sad. But, I am sure, he will be blessings me from the above."

Earlier, cultural events and mimicry were held to cheer the gathering.