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Scheme of Conferring ‘Kalaimamani’ Award

The "Scheme of Conferring ‘Kalaimamani’ Award - Tamil Nadu" was launched by the Art & Culture Dept. Tamil Nadu. The awards felicitate the famous artists who are serving in a commendable manner in the fields of Eyal, Isai, Natakam, Natyam, Cinema, Isai Natakam, Folk arts, Television & related arts.

Authority

State/ UT

Region

Tamil Nadu

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

The artist is provided with an Investiture Gold Pendant of three Sovereign Ponnadai and a Citation. | _*If the artist expires after the announcement of the award to him/her but before the investiture function, the award will be given to his/her dependent._

Who can apply

The applicant should be an Artist.; The artist should be popular and famous.; The artist should have professionally rendered yeomen services for the enrichment of the traditional arts.; The artist's performance should have had lasting contribution, popularity, and merit in the art disciplines of Tamil Literature, Music, Bharathanatyam, Drama, Film, Folk arts, Painting, Sculptures, Vigadam, etc.; An artist who is popular in various art disciplines can be conferred the Kalaimamani Award for one discipline only.; If more than one artist is jointly engaged in artistic pursuit in any of the art disciplines, the award will be given to them jointly.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

Who implements the Kalaimamani Award scheme?

The Kalaimamani Award scheme is implemented by the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram, located in Chennai.

What benefits do awardees receive at the Kalaimamani Award Investiture Function?

At the Kalaimamani Award Investiture Function, awardees receive a gold pendant of three sovereign Ponnadai and a citation.

What are the eligibility criteria for receiving the Kalaimamani Award?

Eligibility for the Kalaimamani Award is based on the artist's popularity and significant contributions to traditional arts.

In which art disciplines are artists recognized for the Kalaimamani Award?

The Kalaimamani Award recognizes artists in various disciplines such as Tamil literature, music, Bharathanatyam, drama, film, folk arts, painting, sculptures, and more.

Can an artist receive the Kalaimamani Award multiple times?

An artist can only receive the Kalaimamani Award once, even if they are proficient in multiple art disciplines.

How is the Kalaimamani Award different from other awards?

Individual works or single achievements are not considered for this award; it focuses on an artist's overall contributions and popularity.

Are there any restrictions based on caste, religion, race, or age for receiving the Kalaimamani Award?

The award is given regardless of caste, religion, race, or age, emphasizing inclusivity.

What happens if an artist passes away after being announced as an awardee?

If an artist passes away after being announced as an awardee but before the investiture function, the award will be given to their dependent.

How are artists selected for the Kalaimamani Award?

The selection process involves considering individual representations from artists, recommendations from senior artists, requests from voluntary cultural organizations, and input from experts in various art disciplines.

What types of representations are considered for artist selection?

The General Council of the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram reviews and selects deserving artists based on the recommendations received.

Who recommends artists for the Kalaimamani Award?

The final list of approved artists is conferred with the Kalaimamani award by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Can voluntary cultural organizations nominate artists for the award?

Senior artists, voluntary cultural organizations, and experts in various art disciplines can recommend candidates for the Kalaimamani Award.

How do experts in various art disciplines contribute to the selection process?

Experts in various art disciplines provide valuable input and expertise to ensure deserving artists are recognized.

Who makes the final decision on which artists receive the Kalaimamani Award?

The final decision on award recipients is made collectively by the General Council of the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram.

How is the list of approved artists conferred with the Kalaimamani Award determined?

Artists are selected based on their lasting contribution, popularity, and merit in their respective art disciplines.

How often are new recipients of the Kalaimamani Award announced?

New recipients of the Kalaimamani Award are announced periodically, with deserving artists being recognized on an ongoing basis.