Mangaluru: It’s a joyous moment for Tulu film lovers as not only did a movie from the Coastalwood ‘Madipu’ bag the state award for the Best Regional film but also veteran actor Naveen D Padil bagged an award for the best supporting actor award for his role in ‘Kudla Cafe’.

The state awards were announced by CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday. Earlier last week Madipu also walked away with the National Award for Best Regional film.

However, Naveen D Padil, who is called ‘Kusalda Arase’ (King of Comedy) by his fans was overjoyed with this award and has mentioned that the award only proves that talent does not go unrecognized and it’s the hardwork that ultimately reaps results.

Speaking to newskarnataka.com, Padil, dedicating the award to entire team of ‘Kudla Cafe’, both Kannada and Tulu film industries and the film-goers, said that he was happy that the Chalana Chithra Mandali has gauged the Tulu actors on the same scale as Kannada cine stars.

Naveen D Padil has entertained many a people with his roles in about 1000 Tulu dramas before joining Tulu film industry.

Summing it up he said that is an honor that that the jury now considers actors of regional film on par with their brethren in Sandalwood.

Kudla Cafe premiered at the 8th Bengaluru International Film Festival held in February 2016 and was released in Mangaluru on February 12 last.

Born on November 11, 1969, Padil is mainly known for his roles in Tulu drama and blockbuster film ‘Oriyad Ori Asal’, ‘Telikeda Bolli’, ‘Chaali Polilu’ among others. Chaali Polilu scripted history by running successfully for 470 days. In this film he was cast alongside other Tulu film industry titans like Devdas Kapikad and Bhojraj Vamanjoor.