Actor-director Suneel Puranik was honored with the prestigious National Award on Tuesday evening for his documentary film "Ranga Vaibhoga" (2022), which delves into the tradition of temple dance in Karnataka. The film won in the Best Arts/Culture Film category, marking the third National Award for the Puranik family. Prior to this, Suneel's son, Sagar Puranik, had received national recognition for his work in "Mahaan Hutatma" (Special Mention Award) and "Dollu" (Best Feature Film in Kannada) in 2019 and 2022, respectively.

This latest project holds special significance for the Puraniks as it was a collaborative effort between father and son. While Suneel directed the film, Sagar took on the role of producer for "Ranga Vaibhoga." Sagar, reflecting on the achievement, expressed that though the award has been received, it may take some time for the impact to fully register. Suneel, with 37 years of experience in the industry, emphasizes that his focus has always been on documenting and preserving fading traditions for future generations, rather than seeking recognition through awards.

In a candid discussion, the father-son duo shared insights into their creative process, highlighting the importance of showcasing culture through their work. Sagar revealed that his upbringing, deeply rooted in culture, inspires him to explore subjects such as "Dollu," "Ranga Vaibhoga," and their upcoming film, "Venkya." They aim to depict the richness of Indian heritage through their films, drawing from their experiences growing up in culturally vibrant north Karnataka. By highlighting the unique aspects of their roots, they strive to offer audiences fresh and authentic content that resonates with the essence of their heritage and traditions."We aim to present our project with strong cultural foundations," says Sagar. Securing investment poses the biggest hurdle in producing such films, not just in terms of profits but even to break even. Another challenge is finding like-minded technicians to work with.

Sagar Puranik highlights the contrasting approaches and perspectives he and his father have when collaborating. The father-son duo often find themselves in disagreements, but they make amends knowing they both have the project's best interests at heart. They leverage each other's strengths and weaknesses to enhance their collaborations on set, with a clear division of responsibilities and mutual support.

Suneel Puranik reflects on the special moment of receiving congratulations from people in his community following an award announcement, feeling as though it was a personal honor.