GOAN STATE AWARDS PRESENTED

CM bemoans lack of entries
By Ali Peter John
Goa, the state which is among the richest in terms of natural beauty, customs and traditions, is the poorest and most malnourished when it comes to cinema. It is shocking that it has hardly more than 30 films to its credit, and that includes the telefilms made for Panaji Doordarshan. And the less said about quality, the better. Goan cinema is indeed in the doldrums. The state government of Goa did start its own awards two years ago. It started off with a very lukewarm response last year. The second annual award ceremony had hardly eight entries, which made chief minister Francisco Sardinah, literally squirm in his seat, in the presence of Anupam Kher and Jackie Shroff, who were the guests of honour.

Sardinah, who stayed on till the end of the awards function lasting more than three hours, without light moments or lustre hoped there would be more entries at the third edition of the awards. Sardinah said his government had ambitious plans to build a film city in the state and sought the co-operation of the industry to make his dream become a reality. He also sought the guidance of filmmakers and stars from Mumbai in his effort. After all, he said, Goa had given Hindi films some of the best talents, such as the Mangeshkars, brilliant cinematographer K Vaikunth, N Chandra and hundreds of technicians, musicians, dancers and junior artistes.
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Sardinah said Goa was an ideal location for film shoots. He said that in view of this, the government was proposing to provide necessary equipment and assistance to the film industry in the state. He said the film industry should come forward and co-operate with the state government for an early completion of his ambitious project.

Tyaag, produced by Panaji Doordarshan was awarded the best film while Dista Tase Nasta and To Dis Ujelo produced by Mahadev Khanolkar and Bonafice Dias respectively won the second award. Mahadev Khanolkar was declared the best actor and Amita Nayak Salatry was declared the best actress. Compere Updesh was the only saving grace on the show. Mumbai could try him. He is genuinely gifted.