Dattatreya, Avinash & Sihi Kahi Chandru to wear the Rajyotsava crown today

Veteran actors H G Dattatreya, Avinash Yelandur and Sihi Kahi Chandru are among the 67 people who will be conferred the Kannada Rajyotsava Award today. While Dattatreya and Avinash will receive the award for their contribution to the silver screen, Chandru will receive it for his contribution to the small screen. Additionally, late actorPuneeth Rajkumar will also be posthumously awarded the Karnataka Rathna, the highest civilian honour of the state, today at the Vidhana Soudha.
The most important thing is to keep working: Avinash

Avinash is known for playing prominent characters in films across South Indian languages.The actor says he did not expect the award. “I am very happy that the government has recognised me and my work. I want to dedicate it to the industry – directors, producers, co-actors and everybody else.” Avinash, who has been part of the industry for 37 years, says, “I just enjoy my work and the most important thing for me is to keep working.”
Avinash has been a part of critically-acclaimed films such as Dweepa, Singaravva, Matadaana as well as commercial films like Appu, Kalasipalya, Pailwan and Yuvarathna. Speaking about his career, he says, “Every role is challenging. It depends on how you take the role, how you make an impression with that role. I don’t care too much about how big or small the role is, I try and give my best.”
“I only worry about what I have done in cinema, not the numbers,” says Avinash, who has over 600 films to his name.
I accept this award on behalf of ll the talented artistes here: Dattatreya
One of the senior-most actors in the industry, Dattatreya, popularly known as Dattanna, has appeared in over 300 films, serials and plays. “I am grateful to all the people who have given me excellent opportunities and helped me grow in my career – be it cinema, theatre or TV. There are many talented artistes in the industry who are worthy of the award. I will humbly accept this award as their representative,” says Dattanna.
I had to make a few calls to check if the news was true: Chandru

Sihi Kahi Chandru became a household name after helming sitcoms like Papa Pandu and Silli Lalli in the early 2000s. He started his television career in 1986 with a prime-time serial called Sihi Kahi and has been in the forefront of the small screen since.
Chandru says, “When I heard the news, I did not believe it. I had to make a few calls to check if the news was true! I am thrilled that my work has been recognised. I want to dedicate the award to all those who have worked with me, worked for me and to my co-actors. Today, my work is recognised because they all did a wonderful job.” Since Chandru is currently travelling, his wife, Geetha, will receive the award on his behalf.