An award overdue

At 18, Kiranmaye Kothapalli’s list of achievements and awards is rather long. She is the recipient of the Balaratna Award, the Balasri award and has her name in both the Limca Book of Records and India Book of Records. She’s been a jury member at the International Children’s Film Festival and was named one of the child prodigies in another issue of the festival as well. Other than that, she’s regularly exhibited her paintings, with requests from galleries, to display her work. Along with that already long list, Kiranmaye has now been presented the Nandi Award for the Best Educational Film for 2012, for her 11-minute short film Winner.

Interestingly, when the news came, Kiranmaye was taken by surprise because she had totally forgotten about the film. “It’s kind of a miracle! I had worked on it long ago, when I was studying in Class IX. Today, I am pursuing graduation in Architecture in Bangalore. So, it was quite a shock, considering I had moved on from the film long ago. It really is a sweet blast from the past,” she shares.

Talking about the film which brought her the laurel, she recalls, “I was inspired by a co-Balashree awardee. The year I received the award for creative art, a girl called Naga Rani, had won for creative performance. She is a Bharatanatyam dancer, who is partially blind. I was in awe of her performance and dedication towards her craft. I decided to make a film on the challenges of the physically challenged. I was glad people appreciated it, but this recognition is a boost for me.”

Meanwhile, Kiranmaye is keeping herself busy despite her busy education schedule. “I think it’s not worth it if I don’t find time to pursue my passion and that’s why I make time everyday for the things I love. I have been making short films on social awareness over these years. I paint and exhibit my work and have also begun a small jute handicrafts business that my mother helps me out with. I want to be able to keep doing what I love because that's what keeps me going,” she states.