The Mylapore Fine Arts Club opened its 22nd Drama Festival in Chennai on Sunday with the conferment of the Nataka Kala Nipuna title on veteran director and actor Mapillai Ganesh.
Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti, the club president, praised Ganesh for immersing himself in roles and for creating family-centered stories that audiences easily connect with. He noted that Ganesh's fellow performers also brought their characters to life effectively.
Theatre director Bombay Chanakya highlighted the club's long-standing support for drama artistes over 22 years. He added that Ganesh started his career in 1981 and has maintained a drama troupe for the past 25 years, describing him as a reliable and dedicated performer.
In response, Ganesh said awards and audience appreciation provide strong encouragement for theatre artistes to continue their work.