Amitabh Bachchan won the best actor award for playing a hypochondriac father in Piku while Kangana Ranaut scored her second consecutive best actress honour at the 63rd National Film Awards, where Hindi films won in major categories barring the top prize, that went to Baahubali.
This is 73-year-old Bachchan’s fourth National award. He previously won the honour in 1990 for Agneepath, in 2005 for Black and in 2009 for Paa.
Ranaut, 28, won the award for her role in romantic comedy drama Tanu Weds Manu Returns for her endearing dual role as Tanu, a troublesome wife and Haryanvi sportsperson Datto. This is her third National award, having earlier won best supporting actress for Fashion and best actress for Queen last year.
The first part of SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus Baahubali won best feature film.
Neeraj Ghaywan won best debut director for his film, Masaan.
Sharat Katariya’s debut Dum Laga Ke Haisha, a drama set in the 90s in Haridwar was given the award for the best Hindi film.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali was given the best director honour for his historical romance, Bajirao Mastani.
Salman Khan-starrer cross-border drama Bajrangi Bhaijaan was named best popular film providing wholesome entertainment.
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