Mahesh Babu is the Most Popular Hero

Hyderabad: In recognition of their contributions to the society, individuals from several fields were presented the Sakshi Excellence Awards at the JRC Convention Center here on Sunday.

While noted journalist Rajdeep Sardesai was the chief guest at the award ceremony, Sakshi Media Group chairperson YS Bharati and Sakshi Editorial Director Ramachandra Murthy were presented on the occasion.

The awards were presented in the following categories: Excellence in Education, Excellence in Social Development-NGO, Excellence in Healthcare, Excellence in Farming, Young Achiever of the Year-Education, Young Achiever of the Year-Social Services and Business Person of the Year besides in ten selected categories of popular cinema.

The winners were selected based on public opinion and also by a special jury consisting of eminent persons constituted for the purpose. The winners are:
Life Time Achievement Award - Director K Viswanath
Most Popular Hero - Mahesh Babu
Most Popular Heroine - Rakul Preet Singh
Most Popular Cinema - Srimanthudu
Young Achiever of the Year-Education - Naina Jaiswal
Young Achiever-Sports - Jyothy Surekha
Telugu NRI Award - BT Singi Reddy
Telugu Person of the Year - DRDO Scientist Satish Reddy
Forum for Good Governance Award - Padmanabha Reddy

Siachen braveheart Sepoy Mustaq Ahmed was given the Sakshi Excellence Award posthumously for making the ultimate sacrifice to the country.

Speaking on the occasion, popular film director Dasari Narayana Rao appreciated the Sakshi Group for recognising the contribution of individuals to the society. "An award to the legendary K Vishwanath is an award to the entire film industry," he said.