Anand Gandhi's powerful debut 'Ship of Theseus' was today declared the best feature film at the 61st National Film Awards here while biopic 'Bhaag Milka Bhaag' was named the best popular film at the 61st National Film Awards here.
'Ship of Theseus' has been hailed for its brilliant portrayal of complex issues of identity, faith and death through the Theseus paradox.
"I am really very excited with this award. It is an invitation for future communication with the government institution. I am also happy for Nishtha Jain's 'Gulabi Gang' winning the best documentary, which we distributed," Gandhi told PTI.
'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', a biopic on Milkha Singh, is directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and starred Farhan Akhtar in the lead role.
Hansal Mehta was named the best director for his biopic on slain lawyer-activist Shahid Azmi in 'Shahid' while its lead actor Rajkumar Rao shared the best actor trophy with Suraj Venjaramoodu for Malayalam film 'Perariyathavar'. Geetanjali Thapa was named the best actress for Hindi film 'Liar's Dice'.
Mehta paid tribute to his film's subject, Shahid Azmi, after the win.
"It is a wonderful feeling. It is a tribute to Shahid Azmi. It is just his karma which has worked for the film and for us. It's also a tribute to my team who stood by me for three and a half years while making this film," Mehta told PTI.
Reacting to the announcement, Rao said: "I am more than happy. It is the most important day of my life. Never expected this to happen. I am thankful to everyone actually Hansal Mehta, Shahid team and the audience. I am overwhelmed."
Saurabh Shukla was declared the best supporting actor for court-room drama 'Jolly LLB' which was also named the best Hindi film.
The best supporting actress award will be shared by Amruta Subhas and Aida El-Kashef for Astu (Marathi) and 'Ship of Theseus'.
Indira Gandhi Award for best debut film will go to director Nagraj Manjule for his critically acclaimed Marathi film 'Fandry'.
An 11-member jury, headed by noted director Saeed Akhtar Mirza announced the awards today which are likely to be given President Pranab Mukherjee on May 3 along with the Dada Saheb Phalke award which will go to lyricist-director Gulzar this year.
