Sooraj Barjatya Honored with National Film Award for 'Uunchai'

Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya has been awarded the National Film Award for best director for his film 'Uunchai'. The adventure drama also earned Neena Gupta the best supporting actress award. Barjatya expressed gratitude and reflected on his journey, indicating more stories are yet to come.

Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya has been recognized with the prestigious National Film Award for best director for his work on the adventure drama 'Uunchai'.

The 70th edition of the National Film Awards, announced on Friday, also saw veteran actress Neena Gupta win her second best supporting actress trophy for the same film.

The adventure drama, which revolves around four ageing friends preparing to scale Mt Everest, marks Barjatya’s creative return after a seven-year hiatus since his last film 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo'.

'I'm humbled to be honoured amongst the best that the country has seen in cinema during 2022,' Barjatya said, reminiscing about his 1994 classic 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun...!' that also received a National Award.

He expressed immense gratitude and underscored that his journey in cinema is far from over, with many more stories still to be told. 'Uunchai' also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, and Danny Denzongpa, chronicling the personal, emotional, and spiritual journey of four friends as they battle physical limitations and discover the true meaning of freedom.

'I feel I have truly climbed Mount Everest today,' the filmmaker said, dedicating the award to his entire team and his production house Rajshri Productions, formed by his late grandfather.

He concluded by stating the importance of the National Film Awards in uniting the Indian film industry.