Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday announced the Kalaimamani awards for 2021, 2022, and 2023, recognising artistes for their contributions to art and culture. Playback singer KJ Yesudas received the MS Subbulakshmi award for his lifetime contribution to music.

For 2021, Kalaimamani awards went to actors SJ Suryah and Sai Pallavi, director Lingusamy, set designer M Jayakumar, stunt choreographer Super Subbarayan, and television actor PK Kamalesh.

In 2022, recipients included actor Vikram Prabhu, Jaya VC Guhanathan, lyricist Viveka, public relations officer Diamond Babu, stills photographer Lakshmikanthan, and television actor Gayathri of 'Metti Oli'.

The 2023 awards honoured actor Manikandan, George Maryan, composer Anirudh Ravichander, playback singer Shwetha Mohan, choreographer Sandy (Santhoshkumar), public relations officer Nikkil Murukan, and television actors NP Umashankar Babu and Azhagan Tamizhmani.

The awards are presented by the Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram under the Directorate of Art and Culture. The ceremony will be held next month at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai, where Chief Minister MK Stalin will personally honour the artists. Kalaimamani awardees will receive a three-sovereign gold medal and a certificate. This year’s event will celebrate winners from the past three years on a single stage, highlighting the state’s rich artistic heritage.