Prior to entering films , Sharada Ramanathan was engaged with the fields of media and culture . She was involved with social and cultural movements such as SPIC MACAY and CRY . She was highly instrumental in setting up India Foundation for the Arts , a philanthropy organisation to encourage fine arts in India . She was also associated with Ford Foundation as its " Program Officer " . She made her first feature film '' Sringaram '' ( 2007 ) , a story set in the early 19th century , depicts the life of a Devadasi . After getting screened at various film festivals , the film got a theatrical release in 2007 and went on to win three National Film Awards and two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards . The film was critically acclaimed . Malathi Rangarajan of '' The Hindu '' noted , " Sringaram is an aesthetic showcase of first time maker Sharada Ramanathan 's potential " . She was one of the jury members of the 54th National Film Awards . Her second film '' Puthiya Thiruppangal '' which deals with child trafficking is awaiting release . Unlike her previous film which was a period drama , '' Puthiya Thiruppangal '' is set in the contemporary period and made on " commercial format " . As of 2014 , Sharada 's third project '' Natyanubhava '' , is a documentary which is said to be based on Indian classical dance . The film produced by the Public Service Broadcasting Trust and funded by the Ministry of External Affairs
54th National Film Awards
54th National Film Awards
Sharada Ramanathan