Govt should institute award in Vanmala's name, says sister

Nagpur, May 30 (UNI) The Central Government should institute a national award for the best actress in films in the name of noted actress of yester years Vanmala, her sister Sumatidevi Dhanwatay has said.

Such an award would be a true tribute to the great actress who entered filmdom in an era when it was strictly considered a taboo for respectable families, Ms Dhanwatay told newspersons here this afternoon.

''I have not been keeping well for the past few days. Barely four days ago, Vanmala called me up on telephone to wish me quick recovery, and said she would pray for me,'' Ms Dhanwatay said.

Vanmala had been asked to work in films by the legendary V Shantaram, she said. The two came in contact when Vanmala was writing a script for the director while working as a teacher in a school in Pune, which she had joined after completing her graduation and teacher's training, Ms Dhanwatay said. Their father was a minister in the royal court of Gwalior, she added.

UNI