Honoured and humbled, say National Film Award winners

The National Film Award winners reacted with surprise and elation as their names were announced today but the moment was bittersweet for the families of Sridevi and Vinod Khanna, who were honoured posthumously.

Sridevi's producer-husband Boney Kapoor became emotional to learn about her win at the 65th National Film Awards as the best actress for her "Mom".

"Thank you. I just wish she was here today to see this," a tearful Boney told PTI.

Her daughters Janhvi and Khushi, also called it a "special moment" for the family.

The actor died in February this year at the age of 54.

Her "Mom" co-star, Pakistani actor Adnan Siddiqui, told PTI, "I am not surprised she deserved more. I am saddened that she got the award when she is not here today."

Khanna, who became the 49th recipient of Dadasaheb Phalke award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, had passed away on April 27 last year.

"So proud to hear that my dad has been posthumously awarded India's highest honour in cinema, the #DadasahebPhalkeAward at the #NationalFilmAwards!

"As we approach his first death anniversary, it's such a lovely way to celebrate his life and work because, at his core, he wasn't just an actor but also a lifelong film fan!" his son Rahul Khanna wrote on Twitter.

Assamese film "Village Rockstars" won the best feature film award and its director Rima Das, who is currently in LA for the film's US premiere, said she missed being home to share her happiness with friends and family.

"I'm very, very happy, thankful and blessed. I'm missing home a lot. And I'm so happy to represent Assam and India in world scenario. From Toronto to going to more than 50 film festivals, people are giving so much love (to the film)," she said.

Riddhi Sen won the best actor National Award for "Nagarkirtan".

"For an actor, it is befitting that he receives an award for his performance while he is in the midst of a shoot for another film," Riddhi said.

His father Kaushik Sen, a veteran film-theatre artiste, said his son is fascinated by cinema.

"Riddhi loves cinema more than me. His role in Kaushik Ganguly's film is very complex and sensitive. Full credit goes to the director and my wife," Sen told PTI.

Music maestro A R Rahman, who was recognised as the best songs and background score for films "Kaatru Veliyidai" and "Mom", said it was great to win two National Awards.

"I am really moved when I first won the National Award for "Roja" people said isn't it too early for you. It is never too early," Rahman said in a Facebook post.

Malayalam filmmaker Jayaraj, who won the best director award for the second time for "Bhayanakam", dedicated the award to "Kuttanad men who had joined the Army and lost their lives in the war."

Fahadh Faasil said his first ever national award for "Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum" was "unexpected."

"I expected some awards for the movie as many of my friends thought it had a pan-India appeal, but I never expected an individual award for me," he said.

Actor Divya Dutta, who was named the best supporting actress for her role in "Irada" said it was great to finally win the award.

"I just heard about it is it true? It is my first national award. Everyone has been thinking I am a national award winning actress and today it has finally come true," Divya told PTI.

Pankaj Tripathi, who received a special mention at the National Awards for his role in "Newton", said it was a moment of celebration for him.

"When I stepped out of my village, I had the desire of winning a National Award someday. I am humbled," he told PTI.

Actor Rana Daggubati is happy that two of his films -- "Ghazi" and "Baahubali 2" -- were recognised at the National Film Awards.

"First the success of 'Baahubali', I have been enjoying that high for last five-six years with the shooting and the release of both the parts. I was exceptionally happy about 'Ghazi' getting awarded as the best Telugu film because it faced a lot of resistance as it was not in the regular format. It had no songs or a love story but we believed in it," Daggubati said in a statement.

The team of "Newton", which bagged the award for the best Hindi film, said they are overjoyed with the honour besides the special mention for Tripathi.

"It's a huge achievement for all of us. 'Newton' is such a unique and special film. It's a film that has been made with purity and honesty," lead actor Rajkummar Rao, who is already a National award winner, said.

"We are very happy that 'Newton' got the best Hindi film award, thank you jury and people for the love and the whole team," said director Amit Masurkar.

Ganesh Acharya, who won the best choreographer award for "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha", told PTI, "It is a big thing, it is a very proud moment for me. For me, this is like an Oscar award."

Director of the best Marathi film winner "Kaccha Limbu", Prasad Oak, told PTI, "This award is very, very special as I have got it for my debut film. It is a dream come true. It is an achievement for the entire team."

"Ishu" won the best Assamese film award and its director Utpal Borpujari said he was glad to see films from the Northeast receive recognition at the national stage.

"It is a very good sign for independent filmmakers who work so hard to deliver a film with a micro-budget," he told