20 years since author turned producer Ram Kamal Mukherjee shifted his base from his hometown Kolkata to Mumbai, he received his first recognition from the city of joy recently for his biography Hema Malini: Beyond The Dreamgirl.
Ram Kamal received Bengal Youth Award as Best Author Award for his much coveted book from nationally acclaimed actor Paoli Dam at Birla Auditorium. He attended the award with his wife Sarbani Mukherjee and producer Aritra Das from Assorted Motion Pictures.
The CEO of Bengal Youth Award, Ranjit Banerjee said, “Ram Kamal is an inspiration to many. I am honoured to have him amongst us. He has been one of the most celebrated journalist and now a budding filmmaker. We take immense pride in honouring him for his book which created waves across the globe.”
While conferring the award to Ram Kamal, actress Paoli Dam jokingly said, “You better give me an autographed copy of the book. I need to keep it as my prized collection.” Ram Kamal was styled in Sharbari Dutta’s tussar handwoven kurta and Sujoy Prasad Chatterjee’s hareem dhoti, while Bong beauty Paoli looked stunning in a royal pink ‘jamdani’ designer saree. She received Critic’s Choice Award for her much coveted role in Devi (female version of Sarat Chandra’s cult classic Devdas).
Ram Kamal received the award in presence of Bengal dignitaries like legendary singer Usha Uthup, national award winning director Srijit Mukherji, noted actors Parambrata Chatterjee, Abir Chatterjee and Arpita Chatterjee.
While addressing the media and dignataries at the award function he said, “I remember watching Hemaji’s ballet Mahalaxmi for the first time in this same auditorium almost 20 years ago. And today, I receive this award for a book on her, at the same venue. I came here with my parents to watch her show, and after that I never got an opportunity to visit Birla Sabhaghar. This is pure nostalgia for me.”
He thanked Paoli Dam for taking all the effort in gracing the occasion, braving the thunderstorm in Kolkata. “Paoli is a dear friend, and receiving this award from her makes it all the more special,” he added.
At this special occasion the managing editor of Harper Collins India, Shantanu Chaudhuri said, “Ram Kamal being an author of this prized title of Harper Collins will always remain special for all of us. I am glad that this book is getting such massive recognition from India and beyond.”
Many dignataries present at the venue were seen congratulating their “city boy” for grand success.
It might seem like a cakewalk, but those who have walked through the thorns, knows the value of petals.
