Actor Jose Prakash chosen for Kerala`s top film honour

Thiruvananthapuram: Veteran actor Jose Prakash has been selected for the J C Dainel Award, Kerala Government`s highest film honour instituted in memory of the director of first Malayalam movie Vigathakumaran.

Prakash, 87, who excelled in character and villain roles from 1950s to 1990s, was chosen for the honour in view of his outstanding contribution to Malayalam cinema, Minister for Cinema, K B Ganesh Kumar said here today. The award carries Rs 1 lakh, citation and memento. Jose Prakash first entered the film as a singer after serving briefly in the army in 1950s. Since then he has done memorable roles, mostly as villain in over 300 films during his long career. The annual award has been instituted in memory of J C Daniel, considered as father of Malayalam cinema. He directed the first Malayalam movie `Vigathakumaran` (1928). PTI