Delhi Slum Kid Harsh Mayar wins National Award for 'I am Kalam'

Company Brief

Mumbai, May 19, 2011

Smile Foundation's I am Kalam has yet again won an award. And this time it is the National Award. Harsh Mayar, the protagonist of the film I am Kalam and a child from a Delhi slum, has won the National Award for the Best Actor in Child Artiste category. With this, the film has added one more brownie point to its kitty. I am Kalam now has 12 international and national awards to its credit.

Premiered at the 63rd Cannes Film Festival, the film has already won the Audience Choice Award at Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles; Best Feature Film for children at the CMS International Film Festival in Lucknow; Best Feature Film in the Lucas International Film Festival in Germany; the Don Quixote Prize of the International Cine Club Federations in Germany; Young Jury award at the International Film Festival of India in Goa; the "Audience Favorite" Award at the Barbican London Children's Film Festival Award; a Special Diploma for the Best Actor Work at Minsk International Film Festival Listapadzik; Best Debutant Director Award at the Chalachitra Film Society, Kerela; and a Special Mention at the Cinekid International Film Festival in Amsterdam and the Ale Kino International Film Festival in Poland.

Hardly being able to believe his achievement, an overjoyed Harsh said "I am extremely happy. I thank God for blessing me like this. I thank my parents and my maternal uncle for the support they have given me. And on top of all I thank Smile Foundation for giving me this platform where I am standing today."

Harsh's proud father Ashok Mayar stated "I cannot stop the tears rolling down my cheeks. I could not have asked for more. My son has made me so proud today. Winning the National Award is the pinnacle of all achievements. And my son has touched the pinnacle. I want to thank God for giving us such a talented child. And I want to thank Smile Foundation for giving this opportunity to my son. This is a golden opportunity not only for Harsh but for our entire family. My son was born and brought up in a slum. But today what he has become is in front for everyone to see. And I believe this is all because of the platform that Smile Foundation gave him. I cannot thank them enough."

For further information, please contact:

Smile Foundation

Manisha Singh

Mobile: +919311451055

Email: manisha@smilefoundationindia.org