Friday morning brought a happy surprise for actor Pankaj Tripathi, who is delighted to win a Special Mention at the 65th National Film Awards for his performance in Newton. The actor says he never thought he was in the race.

"I am absolutely delighted," Pankaj, who has been acknowledged for his spectacular role as a CRPF officer in the film that also starred Rajkummar Rao, said in a statement.

"I had no idea I was even in the running. It feels amazing to know that the whole country thought my role in 'Newton' was one of my best and to win the Special Mention Award at the highest film award in India is just exhilarating," he added.

Co-written and directed by Amit Masurkar, the film was also the official selection as India's entry for the 90th Academy Awards.

Pankaj has thanked the "director and co-actors" who made it so easy for him to act in this film.

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who headed the jury for the National Awards this year, said Pankaj's performance was so brilliant that the main character wouldn't have come out as well had it not been for his work.