The 9th Gollapudi Srinivas National Award for Best Debut Director 2005 was conferred upon Telugu movie director I Mohan Krishna for his movie Grahanam at a grand function in Chennai yesterday. Aamir Khan presented the award to the young director.

The evening kicked off with a musical performance by Shankar Mahadevan, Mahalakshmi Iyer and Karan, a new singer from Bombay. Aamir Khan appreciated the spirit of the Gollapudi family in observing their son's death anniversary in a manner which would encourage budding directors.

He also expressed his desire to continuously contribute towards cinema by encouraging up and coming talents.

Mohana Krishna, speaking about his movie, said that it was the adaptation of the Telugu novel Doshagunam by writer Chalam.

The most touching part of the function was the screening of a documentary, depicting the life of Gollapudi Srinivas.

Director Goutham Ghose, delivering the Gollapudi Srinivas Memorial Lecture, highlighted the need for intercultural communication through cinema and the need to encourage young directors. Actress Shobana also spoke.