Director Ashutosh Gowariker playfully counters criticism of his absence from the limelight following the success of 'Lagaan', asserting that 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' remains his work.
Ashutosh Gowarikar, the acclaimed Indian film director, was a jury member at the 71st National Film Awards in 2023. This prestigious event marked a significant moment in his career, allowing him to be part of the decision-making process for some of the most celebrated films in the Indian cinematic landscape.
Gowarikar, who gained fame after directing the 2001 Aamir Khan-starrer Lagaan, has a rich and varied filmography. His directorial debut was with Pehla Nasha in 1993, followed by Swades with Shah Rukh Khan in 2001 and Jodhaa Akbar with Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai in 2008. His most recent film was Panipat, starring Arjun Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt, released in 2019.
During the awards ceremony, it was The Kerala Story that took home the Best Film Award. Directed by Sudipto Sen, this controversial film also won the Best Director award for Sen. Adah Sharma starred in the film, which sparked much debate among the jury members.
Amidst the excitement and the controversies, there was a light-hearted moment when a media personnel mistook Gowarikar for Sanjay Leela Bhansali, another renowned Indian film director. Gowarikar jokingly replied that if the media personnel had stopped going to the theatre after Lagaan, he might have been less visible. When apologized for the confusion, Gowarikar smiled and said, "That's okay."
The 71st National Film Awards saw several actors being honoured for their performances. Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, and Rani Mukerji won the Best Actor Awards, while the Best Film in the AVGC category was awarded to the Telugu film HanuMan.
The awards for the 71st National Film Awards were announced only after a unanimous decision was made, reflecting the importance placed on consensus and fairness in the selection process. The ceremony was a testament to the vibrant and diverse Indian film industry, showcasing the talent and creativity that continues to thrive in the country.
- In the heart of the Indian entertainment industry, Bollywood, director Ashutosh Gowarikar found himself amidst the 71st National Film Awards, a revered event that allowed him to contribute to decisions shaping Indian cinema.
- Despite his acclaimed work in movies-and-tv like Lagaan, Swades, Jodhaa Akbar, and Panipat, Gowarikar remained visible even during the commotion, much to the surprise of a media personnel who mistook him for Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
- As the ceremony highlighted the rich tapestry of Indian talent and creativity, Gowarikar, appreciating the jest, responded graciously, suggesting that perhaps the media personnel stopped attending movies if they failed to recognize him following the release of Lagaan.
