Sooraj Barjatya opened up about winning National Award for Best Director at the 70th National Film Awards Ceremony which took place in New Delhi on Tuesday. He won the award for his 2022 film Uunchai which stars Amitabh Bachchan, Boman Irani, Anupam Kher, Danny Denzonpa and Neena Gupta in pivotal roles. Alongside Barjatya's win, Uunchai also brought recognition to veteran actor Neena Gupta, who won her second National Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film.
Reflecting on his journey with Uunchai, Barjatya said, “Uunchai wasn’t the kind of film people expected from me. It didn’t have the usual grandeur of my earlier works, but it came from my heart. I didn’t choose Uunchai; it chose me. Today, this award is the perfect culmination of that journey. This film pushed me to new heights, both literally and creatively,”
Barjatya’s 1994 film, Hum Aapke Hain Koun had won the National Award for Best Popular Film. “Back then, as a young director, the rush of excitement was overwhelming. Today, the feeling is one of deep gratitude and calm,” he said.
Speaking on Neena’s win, the filmmaker said, “Neena Gupta’s performance in Uunchai is a testament to her extraordinary talent and dedication. Her win is well deserved, and it only adds to the joy of this recognition.”
He added, “I am not done yet. There are many more stories to tell and many more heights to reach.”
Uunchai released in November 2022. It is produced by Sooraj Barjatya, Mahavir Jain, Natasha Malpani Oswal, Ajit Kumar Barjatya and Kamal Kumar Barjatya.