Sruthi Hariharan on winning the National Award: It feels like a dream come true

Nathicharami has won the most awards (five) at the National Film Awards 2019 and Sruthi Hariharan is elated that she has bagged one of them. The actor, who has just given birth to a baby girl, is doubly happy after receiving the Special Mention (Jury) Award, which she shares with three other actors - Chandrachoor Rai (Kadak), Joju George (Joseph) and Savithri (Sudani from Nigeria).

"To be mentioned in the list of National Film Awardees, it definitely feels like a dream come true. It is one of the most prestigious awards given in our nation. Everytime a film which I loved won the National Award, it felt personal. I still remember feeling proud when Kangana won it for Queen and Sanchari Vijay won for Naanu Avanalla Avalu. Now, when it is Nathicharami's turn, which has won five National Awards, I feel humbled. But more than that, I feel validated."

The actor, who was watching the press conference, said, "While announcing the award, they mentioned that they really liked the subtlety in my performance of a very complex character. The role is not the stereotypical, perfect woman that cinema projects. To play a woman, who is modern and has a mind of her own, is independent was wonderful."

She recollects a particular instance from the Nathicharami shooting days. "We constantly stressed that we shouldn't cross the line of vulgarity because the moment it does, it loses its aesthetic value and the real story that we were trying to say. The complex character wouldn't have been possible without the help of director Mansore, actor Sanchari Vijay and the whole team."

Director Mansore

"I have no words. I did expect an award for Nathicharami because I knew that will give us some recognition. It is especially important for films that did not do well at the box office. But to get recognised at National level, with not just one but five (Best Editor, Best Singer, Best Lyrics, Best Regional Cinema and Special Mention for Sruthi Hariharan) awards has given me a great confidence in my abilities as a director.  A jury, who can well represent the Kannada industry will fetch us more such National awards, and this year, us getting in total 11 awards is proof of that."