Bangalore: The US Kannada federation “Akka” gave its best actor award to Puneet, son of  late Rajkumar for his 2009 film role in “Raam”, and the best actress award to the Bengali girl in Bangalore, Aindrita Ray for her role in “Manasare” (willingly).
The Shrirampura Comedian hero Jaggesh was given the Lifetime Achievement award. Santosh secured the “promising actor” award, although his recent film did not do well at the box office (Nooru Janumaku).
A large Kannada-knowing audience was present at the Edison centre in New Jersey to enjoy a cultural evening. Puneet has now undertaken the task of widening Kannada film audience in America, besides Karnataka.