Bengali film 'Nagar Kirtan' won big today at the 65th National Film Awards, with four honours to its credit - Special Jury, Best Actor, Best Costume and Best Makeup Artist.
Riddhi Sen, who bagged the Best Actor award, said the news reached him while he was busy shooting in Mumbai.
"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," he asserted.
'Nagar Kirtan', helmed by acclaimed director Kaushik Ganguly, is a transgender love story, starring Riddhi Sen and Ritwick Chakraborty in pivotal roles.
The film had courted controversy last year when a Calcutta High Court advocate shot a letter to the chairman of Central Board of Film Certification, Prasoon Joshi, asking him to ensure that no law is violated in clearing the film.
Also Read
Sen (19), who has received critical acclaim in the past for his performances in 'Parched', 'Bhoomi' and 'Chauranga', said he was happy that an "uncommon subject" was appreciated by the jury.
His father and seasoned actor Koushik Sen echoed similar sentiments.
The film dealt with a "sensitive subject", not something that we get to see in mainstream films, he said.
"I am glad that Riddhi could pull off the role so well, that too at such a young age. It was made possible by his own understanding of life, the guidance of filmmaker Kaushik Ganguly and his mother, who is a theatre personality," he added.
Director Ganguly, who has multiple National Film Awards in his kitty, said he was happy that 'Nagar Kirtan' got its due".
"I am extremely pleased to learn that 'Nagar Kirtan' won four national awards in different categories. It is a matter of pride for me and my entire cast and team," he added.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
