One of the prolific actors of Kannada cinema, known for sidekicks in big screen and recent Maja Talkies, a theatre activist Mandya Ramesh gets the prestigious Nataka Academy Award for his long service and dedication in taking theatre movement strongly.

Another reputed person from Kannada cinema to get this Nataka Academy award is Naginibharana wife of national acclaimed director TS Nagabharana. Naginibharana is expert in the field of costume designing and makeup.

Veteran theatre personality Prasanna has been selected for lifetime achievement award among the 25 persons selected from different parts of Karnataka recognizing their long stay and service.

The award carried Rs.50000 for Lifetime achievement, Rs.25000 for others. Nagesh Kashyap, Krishnamurthy Kavathar, K Ramakrishnaiah are among others in the field of theatre gets the awards says President of Karnataka Nataka Academy J Lokesh.