Actor-director Suneel Puranik was honored with the prestigious National Award on Tuesday evening for his documentary film, Ranga Vaibhoga (2022), which explores 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. Previously, Suneel's son, Sagar Puranik, had received national awards for his films Mahaan Hutatma (Special Mention Award) in 2019 and Dollu (Best Feature Film in Kannada) in 2022. Ranga Vaibhoga holds special significance as it is a collaborative effort between the father-son duo, with Suneel directing the film and Sagar producing it. Sagar, who accompanied his father to New Delhi to receive the award, mentioned that while they are grateful, the recognition will take some time to fully register. Suneel, reflecting on his 37-year career, emphasized that his work aims to document fading traditions for future generations, rather than solely pursuing accolades. In a candid discussion, the duo shared how their cultural upbringing informs their choice of projects and the importance of showcasing unique aspects of Indian heritage through their work, such as their upcoming film, Venkya."We aim to present it through a project rooted in cultural values," says Sagar. The primary hurdle faced in creating such films is securing investments. The goal is not solely about making profits, but about reaching a point of breaking even. Another difficulty is finding technicians who share a similar vision.

Sagar Puranik reflects on the challenges of collaborating with his son, stating, "Working on a project together as father and son is no easy task, as our approaches and perspectives are drastically different." Despite frequent disagreements and arguments, they ultimately reconcile knowing they both have the project's best interests at heart. They leverage each other's strengths and weaknesses to enhance their collaborations. Suneel further emphasizes the clear division of responsibilities on set, with mutual understanding and unwavering support for each other's work.

Following the announcement of the award, Suneel recalls being approached by several well-wishers during his daily morning walks near his home. The recognition felt especially meaningful, akin to receiving an award.