Tamil Arts & Cinema’s Best Recognized in Kalaimamani Awards 2021-23 — See Full List!

In a grand recognition of artistic excellence, the Tamil Nadu government has announced the recipients of the Kalaimamani Awards for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023. A total of 90 artistes from various fields including cinema, music, dance, literature, and theatre have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to Tamil culture and the arts. The awards, presented by the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram, are among the state’s highest honours in the field of arts. The announcement was made on September 24, 2025, and the award ceremony is scheduled for October in Chennai, with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin set to preside over the function.

Prominent Kalaimamani Awardees

Cinema and Performing Arts

• Several leading names from Tamil cinema and performance arts are among this year’s recipients:
• Sai Pallavi, acclaimed for her roles in Tamil and South Indian cinema, was honoured for her impactful performances.
• S.J. Suryah, known for his work as an actor and director, received the award for his contributions to Tamil cinema.
• Anirudh Ravichander, one of the most sought-after music directors in Indian cinema today, was recognized for his musical achievements.
• Vikram Prabhu, K. Manikandan, and M. George Maryan, all known for their roles in notable Tamil films, were also honoured.

Technical and Creative Contributors

Beyond the screen, the awards also celebrated the work of those behind the scenes,

• Lingusamy, director and screenwriter, was honoured for his cinematic contributions.
• Art director J.K. (M. Jayakumar) and stunt choreographer ‘Super’ Subbarayan were acknowledged for their technical expertise.
• Lyricist Viveka, choreographer Sandy (A. Santhosh Kumar), and playback singer Shweta Mohan were recognized for their respective artistic talents.

Special Awards for Lifetime Contributions

Alongside the Kalaimamani Awards, special lifetime achievement awards were also announced,

• K.J. Yesudas, the legendary playback singer, will receive the M.S. Subbulakshmi Award for Music.
• Padma Shri Muthukannammal, a veteran in traditional dance, will be honoured with the Balasaraswathi Award for Dance.
• N. Murugesa Pandian has been selected for the Bharathiar Award for Literature for his contributions to Tamil literary traditions.

Recognition for Institutions

The awards also included recognition in group categories,

• Tamil Isai Sangam (Raja Annamalai Mandram, Chennai) was awarded under the associations category for promoting Tamil music and culture.
• M.R. Muthusamy Memorial Drama Troupe was recognized in the drama troupe category for its enduring contribution to Tamil theatre.

Significance of the Kalaimamani Awards

The Kalaimamani Awards are the Tamil Nadu government’s premier cultural awards, instituted to recognize and reward exceptional talent and commitment in the fields of,

• Literature
• Music
• Dance
• Drama and Theatre
• Cinema
• Folk and Traditional Arts

These awards not only honour individual brilliance but also help in preserving and promoting Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage. By including both emerging stars and seasoned veterans, the awards reflect the diversity and depth of the Tamil artistic community.

Here is the Winners List

• 2021
• Sai Pallavi – Actress
• S J Suryah – Actor
• Lingusamy – Director
• Stunt Subbarayan – Action Choreographer

2022

• Vikram Prabhu – Actor
• Jaya Guhanathan – Actress
• Vivek – Lyricist
• Diamond Babu – PRO Consultant
• T Lakshmikanthan – Photographer

2023

• Anirudh Ravichander – Music Composer
• Swetha Mohan – Singer
• K Manikandan – Actor
• George Mariyan – Actor

Special Recognitions

• K J Yesudas – M.S. Subbulakshmi Award for Music
• Padma Shri Muthukannammal – Balasaraswathi Award for Dance
• N. Murugesa Pandian – Bharathiar Award for Literature
• M.R. Muthusamy Memorial Drama Troupe – Best Drama Troupe
• Tamil Isai Sangam, Chennai – Best Association