DAINIK NATION BUREAU
The National Film Award winners reacted with surprise and elation as their names were announced today but the moment was bittersweet for the families of Sridevi and Vinod Khanna, who were honoured posthumously.
Sridevi wins the 65th National Film Awards as the best actress for her “Mom”. The actor died in February this year at the age of 54.
Khanna, who became the 49th recipient of Dadasaheb Phalke award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, had passed away on April 27 last year.
“So proud to hear that my dad has been posthumously awarded India’s highest honour in cinema, the #DadasahebPhalkeAward at the #NationalFilmAwards!
“As we approach his first death anniversary, it’s such a lovely way to celebrate his life and work because, at his core, he wasn’t just an actor but also a lifelong film fan!” his son Rahul Khanna wrote on Twitter.
Assamese film “Village Rockstars” won the best feature film award and its director Rima Das, who is currently in LA for the film’s US premiere, said she missed being home to share her happiness with friends and family.
Riddhi Sen won the best actor National Award for “Nagarkirtan”. Music maestro A R Rahman, who was recognised as the best songs and background score for films “Kaatru Veliyidai” and “Mom”, said it was great to win two National Awards.
“I am really moved when I first won the National Award for “Roja” people said isn’t it too early for you. It is never too early,” Rahman said in a Facebook post.
Malayalam filmmaker Jayaraj, who won the best director award for the second time for “Bhayanakam”, dedicated the award to “Kuttanad men who had joined the Army and lost their lives in the war.”
Fahadh Faasil said his first ever national award for “Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum” was “unexpected.”
“I expected some awards for the movie as many of my friends thought it had a pan-India appeal, but I never expected an individual award for me,” he said.
Actor Divya Dutta won best supporting actress award for her role in “Irada”. Pankaj Tripathi won he National Awards for his role in “Newton”.
Actor Rana Daggubati is happy that two of his films — “Ghazi” and “Baahubali 2” — were recognised at the National Film Awards.
Ganesh Acharya, who won the best choreographer award for “Toilet: Ek Prem Katha”. Director of the best Marathi film winner “Kaccha Limbu”. “Ishu” won the best Assamese film award.
Malayalam Movie ‘Aaalorukkam’, directed by V.C.Abhilash was awarded the Best Film on Social Issues. ‘Water Baby’ directed by Pia Shah, won the Best Debut Film of a Director in the Non Feature Film category.
Movies in the languages other than those specified in the VIII Schedule of the constitution in the feature Film categories were also awarded. The award for the Best Jasari Film was given to ‘Sinjar’, Best Tulu Film to ‘Paddayi’ and the Best Ladakhi Film to ‘Walking With The Wind’.
Best Film Critic award was given to Giridhar Jha for his writings covering vast horizon of Hindi cinema with authenticity and originality. Special Mention Award was given to the Sunil Mishra for his articles on cinema. Best Book on Cinema award was given to ‘Matmagi Manipur-The first Manipuri Feature Film’ authored by Bobby Wahengbam.
Special Jury Award in the Feature category was given to the movie ‘Nagarkirtan’ directed by Kaushik Ganguly and produced by Sani Ghose Ray. Special Jury Award in the Non-Feature category was given to ‘A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings And Monday’, directed by Prateek Vats and produced by Films Division. The best Children’s film was given to the Marathi Movie Mhorkya, directed by Amar Bharat Deokar. A.R Rahman was awarded the Best Music Direction award for the movie ‘Kaatru Veliyidai’.