69th National Films Awards 2023: Sanjay Leela Bhansali on his film Gangubai Kathiawadi winning 5 awards

So, at last, all the efforts that’s interlaced with sweat and grime and sleepless nights of filmmaking have finally been rewarded. We are indeed talking about the prestigious ‘National Films Awards 2023’, which is in its 69th year. While there were expected winners, there were, of course a few which came as a real surprise.

Amongst all the winners, all the eyes were indeed on one film ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’. Looking back, one may recall that, ever since the time the film was announced, it had been making noise. And even after the film’s release, it only made noise for all the right reasons. Today, the very film ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ went onto bag as many as 5 awards at the 69th National Films Awards 2023. Needless to say, everyone associated with the film were super excited and elated.

In a media statement issued by the film’s maker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, he said, “I’m happy for everybody who has won, my film and other films, and everybody, who has won. 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”.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ went onto win as many as five awards. These awards were Best Editing (Sanjay Leela Bhansali), Alia Bhatt (Best Actress), Best Screenplay (Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Utkarshini Vashishtha), Best Dialogue ( Utkarshini Vashishtha and Prakash Kapadia) and also for Best Makeup.

Speaking of Alia Bhatt, the ‘Best Actress’ award was shared by Alia Bhatt for her remarkable performance in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ and Kriti Sanon for her outstanding role in ‘Mimi’. Meanwhile, the ‘Best Actor’ was bagged by Allu Arjun, for his pan-India smash hit film ‘Pushpa’.