Aparna Balamurali, who won the Best Actress Award at the 68th National Film Awards for Soorarai Pottru, is on cloud nine. The awards were announced by the Directorate of Film Festivals, an organisation under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, on Friday.

In Sudha Kongara’s directorial, Aparna plays Bommi, wife of Maara (Suriya). Speaking about her achievement, Aparna says, “My excitement is at its peak. This recognition gives me a lot of motivation to do better. I will also take efforts to learn more about this art form. I am sure I will work hard as I did for Bommi…infact more.”

Extending gratitude to Sudha and her co-actor Suriya, Aparna adds, "My words fall short to thank them. They trusted me completely.”

“One thing I learnt while working in Soorarai Pottru is that homework helps in improving performance. It reflects well on the screen. Sudha Ma’am gave me the confidence to pull off Bommi. I trained well for this role and she ensured that I went on sets only when I was fully ready,” she adds.

Soorarai Pottru became the most celebrated film of this edition with wins for Best Film, Suriya (Best Actor), GV Prakash Kumar (Best Background Score), Sudha Kongara and Shalini Usha Nair (Best Screenplay).