My mother’s prayers answered: Sanjay Leela Bhansali on National award win

Sanjay Leela Bhansali says his National award as director for ‘Bajirao Mastani‘ is “very special” because the win has fulfilled his mother’s longstanding wish.

This is Bhansali’s first National award as a director and the 53-year-old filmmaker is glad that finally his mother’s prayers have been answered.

“This is my first National Award as a director. It is really very special to me. My mother always prayed that I should get one and here I get it. Her prayers are answered,” Bhansali told PTI.

The director said he learnt about his National award win through a leading news channel.

“People from unknown numbers kept calling me I just picked up one such call and they asked me to give a reaction on winning the National award. Then my mother just screamed. Her happiness means a lot to me,” he added.

This Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra starrer was not only a blockbuster but also swept many awards this year.

Bhansali, however, never anticipated a National award.

“With ‘Bajirao Mastani’ we have created history now. I am too thrilled to receive the honour,” he said.

The film has also earned five other awards– best supporting actress honour for Tanvi Azmi, best choreography for Remo D’Souza, best cinematography, production design, re-recordist.

Inputs from PTI

Also Read: 63RD NATIONAL FILM AWARDS : ‘DUM LAGA KE HAISHA’ AND ‘BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN’ BAG MAIN AWARDS

Amod Pandit

Quiet, resonant, and creative, he can be seen immersed in his own world, and puts in his heart and soul into the one passion that he has, Bollywood. His line for survival? Feel happy to be a part of it.