It was a second National Award after Kabul Express for Kabir Khan for Bajrangi Bhaijaan which was adjudged the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and so the filmmaker knew the drill. But the thrill hadn't waned as he walked up on stage to receive the honour from President Pranab Mukherjee. The evening also brought back memories of his trips to the Vigyan Bhawan as a child.

“My father, Rasheeuddin Khan, was in the Parliament and screenings would be arranged for the families of MPs. My mother would take my sister and me along to watch French New-Wave films and other world cinema. Initially, we were bored but got hooked later,“ reminisces the filmmaker who shared his moment of glory on Tuesday with several Bollywood personalities, including Best Actor Amitabh Bachchan (Piku), Best Actress Kangana Ranaut (Tanu Weds Manu Returns), Best Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Bajirao Mastani) “There's still a sense of credibility about the National Awards unlike the other TV show awards,“ laughs Kabir who is gearing up to roll with his next film in July to be shot in India. “It's a compelling human story which like all my other films has a larger than-life political backdrop.“ This will be his third outing with Salman after Ek Tha Tiger and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. After the two box-office bonanzas, is he feeling the pressure of expectations? “If I had felt the pressure, then after Ek Tha Tiger I would have made another action-packed Tiger that would have excited the distributors and not a warm, human story about a little girl. This time too, I went to Salman and after the narration he sad simply, 'Great story, let's make it.' And that was it,“ says Kabir, pointing out that even a big masala film if a dud at the box office is not commercial, while an interesting idea is viable even if it doesn't fit the conventional parameters. “It's an interesting time for Salman and me. We enjoy a good working relationship and this is our chance to push the envelope. This film will be produced by him and I will line-produce it.“