First thought it was a prank: Raja

Chennai: It took a few calls to convince Raja that he actually won the National Award for best make-up artist for Tamil teen crime-thriller 'Vazhakku En 18/9'.

"Initially when someone called me to tell me the news, I thought it was a prank. However, it was only after the calls started pouring in that I was convinced I had indeed won the award. I have received such an honor after 33 years in the industry," Raja told IANS.

"Thanks to this award, I suppose at least now a bunch of people will recognise me for the work I have been doing for so many years," he added.

How many films have he worked as make-up artist?

"I'm sorry I seriously didn't keep track of the number of films. Had I known that someday I would be asked this question after winning the national award, I would have kept track of the number of films," he added.

He adds that he has worked in recent Tamil films such as 'Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu', 'Naan Mahaan Alla' and 'Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai'.

'Vazhakku En 18/9', directed by Balaji Sakthivel, also won the National Award for best feature film in Tamil.