Thiruvananthapuram, July 19 : Popular actor
Dileep Thursday won the best actor award at the Kerala State Film
Awards, his first, for his role in "
Velaripravinte Changathi", while
Swetha Menon bagged best actress award for "Salt N' Pepper".
Director Renjith's "Indian Rupee" was declared the best film, and best director trophy went to Blessy for "Pranayam".
Dileep
said he was not expecting the award and added: "In the past, I really
wished I had won the award for my role in 'Kunhikoonan' and
'Chandupottu', but I never got it. So, this time it was totally
unexpected because I felt I will never get an award."
On the other hand, Shweta was excited after winning her second Kerala State Film Award.
"Oh
my god, I just can't believe this. I am really excited and I am unable
to speak. Please allow me to thank all who worked in the film 'Salt N'
Pepper', which fetched me my award," said the actress who is expecting
her first child with husband Sreevalsan Menon.
The jury was led by veteran Tamil director K. Bhagyaraj.
Ailing
Jagathy Sreekumar was declared best comedian. He is currently in a
hospital in Tamil Nadu, following a serious road accident in March this
year.
Upcoming star Fahad Fazil, son of acclaimed director Fazil,
was honoured with the second best actor for his role in "Chapa
Kurishu", while N. Ayisha was the second best actress for her role in
"Oomakuyil".
Ageing superstars Mammootty, Mohanlal and Suresh Gopi missed the award rolls this time.
"Salt N' Pepper" also got the most popular film award.
© IANS