Yashpal Sharma to be awarded Om Puri Memorial Common Man in Cinema Award at RIFF 2021 

The organizers of the Rajasthan International Film Festival (RIFF) have announced that the Om Puri Memorial Common Man in Cinema Award will be awarded to actor Yashpal Sharma his year. The award is presented in collaboration with the Om Puri Foundation.

Puri, a legendary actor, has been a part of the festival since its inception and the award was instituted in its third edition in his memory. The award is presented in the presence of the late actor’s wife and son, Nandita Puri and Ishaan Puri. Actor and filmmaker Anant Mahadevan was the first recipient of the award, followed by Sushant Singh. In 2020, the Common Man in Cinema Award was presented to actor Anup Soni. 

Sharma will be the fourth recipient of the award, which will be presented to him during the festival, which is being organized in a hybrid format from 20 to 24 March 2021 in Jaipur and Jodhpur, Rajasthan. A theatre artist and film actor, Sharma is perhaps best known for his roles in Lagaan (2001), Gangaajal (2003), Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2005) and Rowdy Rathore (2012), among others. He has appeared in television serials and also performs stage plays. 

The festival is accepting submissions till 31 January.