Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali expressed his elation after his grand period biopic “Gangubai Kathiawadi” secured five National Film Awards, including the coveted Best Actress award for Alia Bhatt. Bhansali himself received two awards, one for Best Screenplay Writer (Adapted) in collaboration with Utkarshini Vashishtha and another for Best Editing. The film also clinched awards for Best Dialogue Writers, Vashishtha and Prakash Kapadia, as well as Best Make-Up Artist, Preetisheel Singh D’souza.
Bhansali conveyed his happiness for all the winners and highlighted the significance of governmental and jury recognition in acknowledging quality cinema. In an interview with PTI,he remarked, “Good cinema gets acknowledged and a pat on the back from the government, and nationally and from a respectful jury, it always brings you joy.”
Bhatt and Kriti Sanon jointly secured the Best Actress award, with Sanon being honored for her role in “Mimi.” “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” an opulent film that premiered at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival, was adapted from a chapter in Hussain Zaidi’s book “Mafia Queens of Mumbai.” The movie featured Alia Bhatt in the titular role, portraying Gangubai, a prominent figure among Kamathipura’s influential madams during the 1960s.
The stellar cast of the film included Ajay Devgn, Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz, Indira Tiwari, Seema Pahwa, and Jim Sarbh. In the realm of the National Film Awards, R Madhavan’s “Rocketry: The Nambi Effect” secured the prestigious Best Feature Film accolade. Additionally, Telugu superstar Allu Arjun earned the Best Actor award for his role in “Pushpa.”
Bhansali reiterated his happiness for the winners and underscored the importance of government and jury recognition, stating, “Good cinema gets acknowledged and a pat on the back from the government, and nationally and from a respectful jury, it always brings you joy. As far as cinema is celebrated from all over India, it is a wonderful moment for all of us. I’m too happy,” as conveyed to PTI.
