The gracious occasion of the 5th annual bestowal of 'Jatheeya Purashkara Pradhanotsavam ' 2008' of Padmashri Dr. Allu Ramalingaiah Kalapeetam for renowned director Dr. K. Viswanath, was held at Harihara Kalabhavan, Secunderabad, to coincide with the 87th Birthday 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 other personalities were present during this function. Singer P. Susheela formally launched the commencement of the function by lighting the lamp. Saripalli Kondalrao, president of Kalapeetham organized this event.
Felicitating this event, the 'Allu' family honored Dr. K. Viswanath with the prestigious Jatheeya Purashkaram", memento and shawl. The recipient director was honored personally by Chiranjeevi, who clad him the 'Swarna kankanam'.
Silk clothes were presented to Viswanath and his spouse by Allu Arvind. A 'veena' was also presented to him.
'I have troubled him a lot for his role in Sankarabharanam' K. Viswanath
Recipient K. Viswanath said, 'Even my usual dress code has been changed from traditional to modernism today as advised by Ramalingaiah garu. Not many know that he is a spiritualist and also believed in Gandhism and teachings of Paramahamsa. I have troubled him a lot for his role in Sankarabharanam which he loved the most. I feel this as an opportunity to recall my days with him by receiving this award.'
'In reality, he is a great humanist and a philosopher' Chiranjeevi
Chiranjeevi who spoke on the day said, 'I am honored to be Allu Ramalingaiah garu's son-in-law. People know him only as a comedian but in reality he is a great humanist and a philosopher. My association with him in the films, 'Apathbandhavudu' and 'Swayam Krishi' made me accustomed with people of different strata. Working alongside him taught me humbleness and inculcated respect for senior people in me. This National honor was reserved to the comedy actors for the past five years. So now, we are pleased to honor director K. Viswanath with this award. I wish the legacy of his to be carried forward with the generations to come.'
Singer Susheela recalled her past and said that eventhough the thespian was not present during her awarding of Padma Bushan, his blessings will be delivered from wherever he is.
Cultural programs and mimicry performances were staged later on to keep the crowd occupied.