Kochi: Actor Nivin Pauly, who bagged the Best Actor title in the 45th Kerala State Film Awards, told reporters that award was an inspiration and encouragement to better his performance.
The actor expressed happiness over the award.
"It is an added responsibility also," he added.
Pauly, who is the current top star in Malayalam industry, said he owes this award to the directors of the films which won him his first state award for the best actor. An engineer by profession, Pauly took up acting after quitting his job as a techie with IT major Infosys.
He shared the best actor title with upcoming actor Sudev Nair.
While Nivin's down-to-earth performance in "Bangalore Days" and "1983" won him the recognition, the exceptional performance in Padmakumar's "My Life Partner" helped Sudev bagged the unexpected honour.