Filmmaker Santosh Sivan gets Padma Shri

Chennai: Cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Santosh Sivan, known for his work in films like `Kaalapani`, `Iruvar` and `Dil Se`, was Saturday conferred the Padma Shri on the eve of the 65th Republic Day. The 49-year old Sivan got the award for his contribution to Indian cinema over the last two decades. Starting his career as a cinematographer in the 1986 Malayalam experimental film `Nidhiyude Katha`, Sivan has handled the camera for critically acclaimed films such as `Raakh`, `Thalapathi`, `Roja` and `Aham`. Having assisted his father while making documentaries as a youngster, Sivan has made over 30 documentaries so far. Two of his best documentaries are `Farmers Portrait` and `Prarambha`. He also wielded the megaphone for feature films `Terrorist`, `Malli`, `Asoka` and `Halo`. Sivan, who was recently lauded for his work as cinematographer in Vijay-starrer "Thuppakki", is awaiting the release of his forthcoming Tamil-English bilingual "Ceylon", the story of a homeless refugee girl during the Sri Lankan civil war. Sivan, a founding member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers, has also won 12 national awards, six state awards and three Filmfare awards. He also has 10 international awards to his credit.