My mother’s prayers answered: 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.

The Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra starrer was not only a blockbuster but also swept the award season 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 cinematogrpahy, production design, re-recordist.