Padmarajan Awards presented to Malayalam writers S. Hareesh and P.S. Rafeeque, and filmmaker Fasil Muhammed; young author Aiswarya Kamala honoured with the Air India Express Tales of India Award for her debut novel Virus.
While it was raining in the capital city, inside the Tagore Theatre in Thiruvananthapuram:, memories of the legendary writer and filmmaker P. Padmarajan poured in abundance as ace actor Mohanlal fondly reminisced about his experiences playing lead roles in Padmarajan’s iconic films such as Thoovanathumbikal, Namukku Parkkaan Munthirithoppukal, and Kariyilakkattu Pole. The occasion was the 34th P. Padmarajan Awards ceremony, hosted by Air India Express in collaboration with the Padmarajan Trust, celebrating the 80th birth anniversary of the literary and cinematic maestro. The evening paid tribute to the rich heritage of Malayalam arts, cinema, and culture, as the Padmarajan Trust and Air India Express continue to honour literary and cinematic excellence, with Mohanlal presenting awards to the winners and felicitating technicians who worked with Padmarajan in his films.
Mr. S. Hareesh won the Padmarajan Award for Best Novel for Pattunoolppuzhu, while Mr. P.S. Rafeeque was recognised for Best Short Story for Idamalayile Yakoob. Mr. Fasil Muhammed received the award for Best Direction and Script for his film Feminichi Fathima. The winners were presented with a citation, cash prize, and a memento.
The 3rd edition of the ‘Air India Express Tales of India Award’ was presented to Ms. Aiswarya Kamala for her debut novel Virus. She received a crystal memento scaled to the tail of an Air India Express Boeing 737-8 aircraft, along with complimentary return flights to any destination on the airline’s expansive network.
Aiswarya’s debut novel, “Virus” (2024), has quickly captured widespread attention, earning the Best Debut Novel award from Air India Express and the Padmarajan Trust. It was also a notable finalist, being shortlisted for the prestigious DC Books Golden Jubilee Novel Competition. Set against the eerie and impactful backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, “Virus” delivers a compelling, near-dystopian narrative centered on Sangriel Hospital. The story unfolds through the eyes of Nurse Isa, transforming into a detective thriller that delves into the hidden complexities of emergency services and the untold realities of the healthcare industry.
As a tribute to Kerala’s rich culture and heritage, one of the airline’s Boeing 737-8 aircraft features a tail design inspired by the elegant Kasavu textile as a nod to the timeless grace of the state’s handwoven artistry. With the widest international connectivity from Kerala, Air India Express operates 145 weekly flights from Kochi, over 100 from Kozhikode, over 60 from Thiruvananthapuram, and over 60 from Kannur, linking Kerala to destinations across India and beyond.
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Rajeev Kohli, JMD, Creative Travels @ Kerala Travel Mart 2024
