‘A win for Coorg and for women directors, says Yashodha Prakash Kottukattira

Kannada film Kandeelu, directed and produced by Yashodha Prakash Kottukattira, bagged the prize for Best Kannada Feature Film. “Ever since I heard the news,” she tells us, “the phone hasn’t stopped ringing, and soon after, I was inundated with invitations for felicitation ceremonies.

” Yashodha shares her unique milestone: “I am told I’m the third woman director to receive the National Award and the first woman from Coorg. I couldn’t have been happier — this was something I hadn’t conceived even in my wildest dreams.” Looking ahead, she says her dream is to see more women directors. Her advice? “Don’t wait for support — just forge ahead. If your family backs you, that’s a blessing. But don’t wait for validation. Focus on getting your film out to people first,” she says, adding that through her film she aimed to “inspire people to remain hopeful even in the most adverse situations.

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