There were no big surprises as the 63rd National Awards were announced yesterday. hitlist speaks to some of the winners
Kangana Ranaut
Best Actress for 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns'
I was on my way to my Nani's house in Manali since she is not well, that I started getting these messages from friends. I didn't even know the announcements were going to be made today (Monday). My mother stared crying when she heard the news. I am glad that I am with my family when the news of such an honour came my way. It is a validation for someone like me, because it totally depends on merit. It is a very genuine gesture.
I was absolutely thrilled when I heard the news and (laughs) violins started playing in the background. When I got the award way back in 2008 for Fashion, I had some 10 people messaging me. But this time, there were so many messages; I guess women especially relate to my journey as I am this quintessential underdog who managed to get some acknowledgement
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Varun Grover
Writer-lyricist of 'Masaan' who won the Best Lyricist award for 'Moh Moh Ke Dhaage' from 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha'
I didn't know that the announcements were being made today (Monday). The anticipation was always there since Masaan was so spoken about, but when it really came, it was a joyous moment. This award is also totally uncompromised; you don't have to stand in front of a branded billboard to get it. Also, the good thing is it has come for a song not approved by traditional marketing logic. People didn't want it to be part of the trailer, thinking that it will put people off. But to think that it got its own popularity and people kept it alive throughout is in itself a great thing
Kabir Khan
Director of 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' which was named Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment
Popular awards have more or less become like TV shows. In fact, there are so many of them that their significance is reduced. At such a time, it is a matter of pride to bag a National Award. You get it only on merit and nothing else. This is my second National Award after 'Kabul Express' (2006). 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' is a special film for me and the credit goes to the entire team. Just the fact that a film with such kind of a subject was accepted in itself shows that people believe in brotherhood. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been so unanimously accepted
Neeraj Ghaywan
Who won the Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film Of A Director for 'Masaan'
I am grateful to all those people who have supported this film. 'Masaan' started getting acknowledgement since the prestigious Cannes festival last year. And back in India, it was the Jagran Film Festival which first recognised it and gave it a few awards. Then it went on to win a few popular awards, and now the National Award. I am happy for myself and the team that's associated with the film. I am feeling very proud but I want to continue to stay rooted to the ground
(63rd National Film Awards: The complete list of winners)
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