KANAKA DESAI
MARGAO
Veteran actress Hema Malini went down memory lane as she recalled her association with Goa and legendary cinematographer K Vaikunth, fondly known as ‘Vaikunth Dada’, at the 1st State & International Short Film Competition 2026 held at the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on Monday.
The event was organised to mark Vaikunth’s birth centenary.
“When you think of Goa, the first thing that comes to your mind is its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, music and wonderful spirit of joy,” Hema Malini said, recalling her shoots for films including Khushboo and Jaan Hatheli and her dance performances in the State.
Looking around the auditorium, she recalled that a theatre like this did not exist when she used to perform in Goa. “Seeing this theatre now makes me feel I should perform here,” she said, adding that every artiste is drawn to a beautiful stage.
Hema Malini said she had missed Vaikunth’s centenary celebrations due to another commitment but had immediately accepted the invitation to attend the event. “I had to come to give my respects to Dada,” she said, recalling the cinematographer who worked with her in films including Seeta Aur Geeta, Andaz, Khushboo and Meera. The competition received about 930 entries, including 470 international entries, 430 from across India and 30 from Goa.
The competition honoured filmmakers from Goa, India and overseas in ten award categories. Take Away by Nithan A N from Kanchipuram won the International Best Jury Award, while Sobita Kudtarkar won the State award for Halad and Straight Ahead. Rasoul Sobhani won Best Editor International for Red, while Mukesh Ghatwal won the State award for Best Background Score/Original Music for Ancessao. Adib Sobhani won Best Cinematographer International for Under the Snow, while Mangurish Jagdish Bandodkar won the State award for Ancessao. Sankar Debnath won Best Actor Male International for The Alter Echo, while Vardhan Kamat won the State award for Medium Piece. Noa Keidar won Best Actress (International) for Kidney Trial, while Prashanti Talpankar won the State award for Ancessao. Nikhil S won Best Director International for Pen Fight Club, while Mangurish Jagdish Bandodkar won the State award for Ancessao.
Gianluca Zonta’s L’Acquarium won the International third prize of Rs 1 lakh, while Deepankar Prakash’s Under the Snow won the International second prize of Rs 1.5 lakh. Straight Ahead won the State second prize of Rs 75,000.
Nikhil S’s Pen Fight Club won the International first prize of Rs 2 lakh, while Dr K K Sanzgiri’s Ancessao won the State first prize of Rs 1 lakh.
Hema Malini announced the State Best Film second prize for Straight Ahead and the International Best Film first prize for Pen Fight Club. Congratulating the winners, she urged them to continue pursuing their craft and keep producing good work.
