Solidarity Day 2024:Nemai Ghosh award Rajiv Menon

Solidarity Day 2024: A Memorable Event by FEFSI

The Federation of Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) celebrated Solidarity Day on December 2, 2024, at Kamala Cinemas. The event was marked by vibrant sessions, powerful speeches, and a notable award ceremony that honored the contributions of one of the most revered figures in Indian cinema.

A Day of Recognition and Reflection

The forenoon session concluded on a promising note, focusing on the welfare and aspirations of industry employees. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Nemai Ghosh Award to Shri. Rajiv Menon, a visionary cinematographer and filmmaker. The award was presented by I&B Minister Shri. Swaminathan in the august presence of FEFSI President Shri. RK Selvamani, SICA President A. Karthik Raaja, and General Secretary M. Ilavarasu, amidst thunderous applause from a packed audience.

A Tribute to Rajiv Menon

During his address, General Secretary  Ilavarasu offered a heartfelt tribute to Rajiv Menon, recounting anecdotes from his early career and highlighting his invaluable contributions to SICA.  Ilavarasu spoke about Rajiv Menon’s instrumental role in mentoring office bearers on emotionally handling member grievances, calling him a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.

Adding a touch of humor, Ilavarasu reminisced about Rajiv Menon’s humility, as he sat quietly on the dais, seemingly unaware of his immense influence. He recounted how Rajiv Menon’s advertisement films in the 1990s introduced Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as a model and A.R. Rahman as a jingle composer, who later achieved global acclaim at Cannes and the Oscars. Rajiv Menon’s rise as a sought-after ad filmmaker of the 1990s, without any external support, was applauded as an inspiration to many in the industry.

Addressing Industry Challenges

The event also focused on the welfare of senior technicians. Mr. Ilavarasu stressed the need for medical aid for members above the age of 50, many of whom face challenges due to diminishing physical strength. His appeal was met with a positive response from Hon.Minister Swaminathan, who assured the gathering that the government would address the matter, promising to escalate it to Hon. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

The minister underscored the ruling government’s deep emotional connection with the film industry. Drawing inspiration from Kalaignar M.K. Karunanidhi, he emphasized how both the current Hon.CM M.K.Stalin and Hon. Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin share an innate understanding of the industry’s needs and challenges. This assurance was met with hope and optimism from the audience.

FEFSI President’s Vision

In his closing remarks, FEFSI President Shri. RK Selvamani addressed key issues faced by daily wage workers in the industry. He proposed an interim target to shift from weekly to daily payments for technicians, urging production managers’ unions to ensure compliance. He also stressed the importance of formal agreements between technicians and production teams to mitigate risks during settlements. His practical solutions received resounding support from the attendees.

A Promising Future for the Industry

The Solidarity Day event concluded with a renewed sense of hope and determination. From recognizing the exemplary achievements of Rajiv Menon to addressing pressing concerns of industry welfare, the session reflected  commitment to uplifting  its members and fostering a brighter future for the film industry.

Nemai Ghosh Award Winners (2012–2024)

The Nemai Ghosh Award honors outstanding contributions to the welfare of Union activities , art and craft of cinematography. This prestigious award pays homage to the legacy of Nemai Ghosh, a trailblazer who was instrumental in the formation of the union movement in South India and whose work significantly promoted art-house cinema.

Below is the list of awardees, showcasing a lineage of visionary cinematographers:

2012: N.K. Viswanathan

2013: P. Supriya Prakash Rao

2014: V. Babu Sai

2017: A.V. Ramakrishnan

2018: A. Venkateshwaralu

2019: Syed Abdul Rahuman

2020: M.S. Prabhu

2021: Rathnavelu

2022: Madhu Ambat

2023: R.M. Ramanath Shetty

2024: Rajiv Menon

This list celebrates a diverse range of talents whose work has not only elevated South Indian cinema but has also left an indelible mark on the global stage.

Drafted by

MS Prabhu

CJ Rajkumar