Expat drama artiste grabs top honour from KSNA

Prakash Vatakara, a veteran theatre activist in Bahrain, has won the coveted Gulf Kalashree Award instituted by Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademy (KSNA), which aims to foster Kerala dance, drama and music and promote the cultural unity of Kerala. 

KSNA Chairman Soorya Krishnamoorthy declared the award at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, capital of Indian State Kerala. Kerala Chief Minister Oommen  Chandy will present the award  at a function  to be held  on  March 27, 2016 in Thiruvananthapuram. 

The award carries INR 15,000 along with memento and certificate. Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) President Varghese Karakkal and General Secretary V.K. Pavithran congratulated Prakash Vatakara on behalf of the Executive Committee and the entire Members of the Samajam. 

Prakash Vatakara, a familiar face in the cultural scene in Bahrain, is an active member of Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam. He hails from Vatakara, Kozhikode district, Kerala. 

He is a highly motivated and dedicated actor with strong stage instincts. He has been associated with the stage since 1970 to 1980 in Kerala and from 1981 onwards at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam, actively involved in presenting, directing and acting dramas. 

He has directed more than 35 well-acclaimed plays at Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam and performed lead characters in them. “My passion is for the theatre. I enjoy every aspect of theatre activity and have won the Special Jury Award from the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam and the Best Director Award in 1982 and the Best Producer Award in 1983,” Prakash said.

His most recent performance was in a play titled “Kuriyedathu Thathri,” which was staged on 19th and 20th December 2013 at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam.  Prakash has been living in Bahrain since 1981, working with Country Vacations as Human Resources and Operations Manager.