The 70th National Film Awards were announced on Friday, August 16, at the National Media Centre in New Delhi. This year’s awards spotlighted exceptional talent across the Indian film industry, with Malayalam film Attam receiving the Best Feature Film award. As the winners celebrated their achievements, many took to expressing their heartfelt gratitude and excitement. Here’s a look at what some of the winners had to say.
Rishab Shetty: A Heartfelt Thank You
Rishab Shetty, who won the Best Actor award for his performance in Kantara, shared his elation: “I am very happy to receive the National Award for Kantara. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who was part of this journey, especially the team of talented artists and Hombale Films. The support from the audience has been overwhelming, and it makes me feel a great sense of responsibility. I dedicate this award to our Kannada audience, Deva dancers, and Appu sir.”
Ayan Mukerji: Overjoyed by Recognition
Director Ayan Mukerji expressed his joy after Brahmastra won three National Film Awards. He said, “Today is a special day for us. I am deeply grateful for the recognition Brahmastra has received. The film’s music holds a special place in our hearts. Pritam da’s compositions, along with Amitabh’s lyrics and Arijit’s voice, make me feel immensely proud and thankful.”
Anand Ekkarshi: Beyond Wildest Dreams
Anand Ekkarshi, director of Attam, shared his excitement about the film’s success: “This is beyond our wildest dreams. I am grateful to producer Ajith Joy for his support. We initially took the film to film festivals and released it in theatres with a great response. Although we did not earn crores, the film was appreciated by cinema lovers. Its OTT release brought even more recognition, reaching audiences across India.”
Manoj Bajpayee: A Pleasant Surprise
Manoj Bajpayee, who received the National Award for Best Hindi Film, expressed his surprise and gratitude: “Wow! Best Hindi film too! I immediately called my director Rahul V Chitela. I didn’t expect this, and he truly deserves this respect. He has created a beautiful film about the complexities of family relationships. It’s a great moment for us, especially after a period where our hard work seemed unnoticed. This recognition is very encouraging.”
The 70th National Film Awards highlighted the outstanding contributions of these filmmakers and actors, celebrating their remarkable achievements in the industry. As the winners bask in their well-deserved accolades, their stories of hard work and dedication serve as an inspiration to many.