MUMBAI MIRROR (April 17, 2014)

For complete list of winners of 61st National Awards, CLICK HERE 

RAJKUMMAR RAO BEST ACTOR (SHAHID)  
Wow, I’m so thrilled I’m almost crying. And I know the real Shahid Azmi (Shahid was the biopic of the slain activist-lawyer) is even happier today. All through the shoot I could feel his presence, telling us what to do and what not to.

 I loved the script and requested Hansal sir (director Hansal Mehta) to cast me as Shahid. It wasn’t an easy film. When we were doing the scene where the police tortures me, I got so emotional that I cried for an hour after the pack-up. It’s gratifying to win the Award that I’d heard about so much about when at the FTII. I had hoped that I would replicate Mithun Chakraborty’s Mrigayaa triumph day. It was my parents who let me know that my day had come.

 It’s a double thrill as Hansal sir has won the Best Director award. In less than a month, we’ll be back together in Citylights. Our double honour could only benefit the film. Will we win again next year? I don’t work for awards or money. I like to live a character like Shahid. Let me enjoy this moment for now.


HANSAL MEHTA BEST DIRECTOR (SHAHID)
This award is a validation of Shahid Azmi’s conviction, everything that he stood for and the battles he fought. We made the film with honesty and love, and this is a victory of tenacity and human spirit. And what makes it even more special is the fact that people are saying that every award this year is absolutely right and deserving.

 I know Shahid, wherever he is, is smiling at us, but to be honest had he been still around, I don’t know if I would have made a film on him. Unsung heroes like him fight for the under-privileged without getting any limelight.

 It was his demise that caught the attention of a filmmaker like me and it was sheer desperation that drove me to make the film the way I wanted to, without bowing down to the demands of a star or a studio.

 Hopefully now, after this award, I can make the films I want to without compromising to a system which celebrates mediocrity.

 I’m really happy that Rajkummar Rao has also bagged the award for the Best Actor. He’s the finest actor amongst the younger generation and today it feels like there are two awards in my family.  

 —As told to Roshmila Bhattacharya

 SAURABH SHUKLA: BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (JOLLY LLB) I’m sitting alone in my office letting the news sink in. I didn’t even know the National Awards were supposed to be announced. The news came as a surprise and changed the course of my day, and may be what is to follow.

 All these years I’ve worked in so many films, hoping that some day, some role would fetch me a National Award. Little did I know that Jolly LLB would make the dream come true. I hope the award instils respect for actors like me in the industry and we’re taken more seriously from here on. 
SUBHASH KAPOOR 
It’s uncanny, my friend and I were chatting about the National Awards just two days ago in remote Satara. And today, my wife who probably saw the news on TV, called me to break the news. It’s unbelievable. In my heart I wanted Saurabh Shukla to be honoured for his performance. He’s won, and so has the movie. It’s a double bonus for the team and me. It was brave of Fox Star to back such an unconventional film like Jolly LLB. Their faith has paid off and it’s a proud moment for the studio too. Our biggest reward was that the audience liked our spin on the system. But in terms of awards, it can’t get bigger than this for a filmmaker!
 
(Subhash Kapoor is the writer-director of Jolly LLB)
 
— As told to Rachana Dubey


SOHUM SHAH (PRODUCER, SHIP OF THESEUS): BEST FEATURE FILM (SHIP OF THESEUS) I don’t know how to express my happiness. That a film which was so fiercely independent of conventional norms, had no item songs or exaggerated action scenes, has been recognised at the highest level, seems incredible! As a producer, it reinforces my faith in supporting cinema that you can watch without leaving your brains at home. I only wish my father, who passed away a week ago was here to see this day.

AIDA EL-KASHEF: BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS (SHIP OF THESEUS) I’m really touched. I did not expect this recognition from the Indian government. My phone has not stopped ringing. I wish I could be in Mumbai to celebrate with Anand (Gandhi) and the rest of the crew. The National Award ceremony is in May but it is difficult for me to leave Egypt. I’ve just started a production house and I will be directing a documentary on the lives of women who are spen-ding time in jail after committing murder.


ANAND GANDHI The National Award signifies an invitation from the government to participate in the artistic discourse at large. It’s a terrific honour. I wish it would translate into getting better distribution and exhibition deals for films. But, so far the government hasn’t succeeded in putting together that kind of an infrastructure. But, we will continue to support films that not only attempt to initiate social change, but also seek to resolve conflicts. 
(Anand Gandhi has directed Ship of Theseus) 
For complete list of winners of 61st National Awards, CLICK HERE