Filmmaker Omung Kumar is ecstatic as his very first film — Mary Kom has won him the National Award 
Sneha Mahadevan (DNA; March 26, 2015)

"It is a dream come true for me”, says Omung Kumar expressing his excitement after his much acclaimed Mary Kom on the life of boxing champion M.C Mary Kom won a National Award. It has been named the Best Popular Film providing wholesome entertainment for being an exalting story of a woman who becomes a national icon through her determination. Though he hasn’t managed to touch base with the boxer, as he is away in Kuala Lumpur, he says Mary has been informed about the win. “It was the sweetest surprise to be given this kind of an honour for your very first film. I am in Malaysia and suddenly my phone started buzzing with calls and messages. Initially I was very confused as I couldn’t figure if we had been nominated or won but when they informed me that the calls were to congratulate me on the win, it was an indescribable feeling,” he says.

The award, he explains is for the efforts everyone put in the film, right from the assistant directors to the technicians to supporting members of the cast. “Priyanka Chopra is the whole and soul of the film and I think this has been her best performance ever. Though it was my story, Sanjay Leela Bhansali trusted me enough with the film. Without him, I wouldn’t have been able to make this film. But this award is not mine or her’s or any single person’s. Everyone who worked on the film deserves this. We didn’t expect it but I always harboured ambitions of my film winning a National Award and this is definitely a dream come true,” Omung explains.

His leading lady, Priyanka called him up to congratulate him. “She is ecstatic and very happy for me. It is a big deal and once we are all back in town, we will throw a party and celebrate.”