National award; Actress Priyamani on cloud nine

Chennai, Jun 10 (UNI) Up and coming Kollywood actress Priyamani is on cloud nine after she bagged a National award for the best actress for her role in the film ''Paruthiveeran,'' released in 2006.

Just two years into tinsel town, the sprightly Priyamani had already carved a niche for herself in her successive movies, and has a huge fan following.

The pretty actress could not hide her jubilation as her maiden film fetched the National award.

An elated Priyamani owed her success to director Ameer. ''It is a dream come true for me. I thank my director, my co-stars and the entire crew for helping me achieve this unique honour,'' she said from Bangalore, where she was busy shooting for a film.

In her own admission the award came as a big surprise to her.

''Honestly I never expected ''Paruthiveeran'' to get me a national award. I just performed what director wanted me to do.' Priyamani played the role of a sprightly young rural belle, who falls in love with a ruffian in a remote village in the film.

''I feel the recognition will make me more responsible. I have to now choose my roles with care,'' she added.

Priyamani was the fifth actress from the Tamil film world to win the best actor award. In this elite list were actor Lakshmi, who bagged the award in 1977 for her performance in ''Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal,'' Shoba in 1980 for her role in the film ''Pasi,'' Suhasini in 1986 for the film ''Sindhu Bhairavi'' and actress Archana ''Veedu'' in 1988.

Two more artistes from Tamil film world bagged the coveted national awards. While Raja Mohammad, who won the best editor award, also for film ''Paruthiveeran,'' Director Vasantha Balan's ''Veyyil'' has been chosen as the best regional language film.

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