The 80th birthday of producer Sandesh Nagaraj was celebrated in a grand event at the Karnataka Exhibition Authority premises in Mysuru.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, actors Kichcha Sudeepa, Dhananjaya, Srujan Lokesh, Yuvarajkumar, Sadhu Kokila, Girija Lokesh, S.A. Chinnegowda, Sa. Ra. Govindu, and several political leaders and film personalities attended the event.
Sandesh Nagaraj, who rose to prominence as a producer through the film Mannina Doni, is also a National Award-winning producer. He has produced several notable films for the Kannada film industry and has been elected twice as a Member of the Legislative Council. Apart from films, he is also known for his role in the hotel industry.
The birthday celebration was attended by ministers Zameer Ahmad, Bairathi Suresh, Cheluvarayaswamy, MLAs Tanveer Sait, Leader of Opposition R. Ashok, Prof. Krishnegowda, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president Narasimhulu, Karnataka Film Producers Association president Umesh Banakar, Kannada Film Directors Association president N.R.K. Vishwanath, and current and former representatives of various film-related bodies.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that Sandesh Nagaraj had made his mark as both a producer and businessman and had also contributed to society as a two-time MLC. He added that although Nagaraj was often in other political parties, their friendship has been good, and he wished him a long and healthy life with continued contributions to social causes.
Several other dignitaries, including Kichcha Sudeepa, extended their wishes to Sandesh Nagaraj.
A day before the celebration, Sandesh Nagaraj was felicitated on behalf of the Kannada film industry by the Karnataka Film Chamber and various film associations.