Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, a name synonymous with grace and excellence in Indian cinema, is elated as her film ‘Gulmohar’ clinched the coveted Best Film award at the 2024 National Film Awards. This significant win marks a remarkable milestone in her illustrious career, especially considering it comes after her return to the silver screen following a 13-year hiatus.
In an exclusive conversation with ANI shortly after the announcement of the award, Tagore expressed her profound joy and sense of accomplishment. “The National Award is the highest honor in the country, and I’m really happy that Gulmohar received it, along with the award for the dialogues. I’m absolutely thrilled,” she said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.
Shedding light on the collaborative spirit that fueled the film’s success, Tagore highlighted the critical role of teamwork. “It was wonderful to work as a team. It’s a collective celebration because every character was important in the film,” she remarked, underscoring the importance of each cast and crew member’s contribution to the project’s triumph.
Directed by Rahul V. Chittella, ‘Gulmohar’ is a poignant narrative that revolves around the Batra family as they brace themselves to leave their 34-year-old family home, Gulmohar. The film delves into the emotional and psychological impacts of this transition, exploring themes of familial bonds, hidden secrets, and underlying insecurities. The ensemble cast features distinguished actors Manoj Bajpayee, Simran, and Suraj Sharma in pivotal roles, each delivering performances that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Tagore further elaborated on her experience, describing it as a “wonderful appreciation” for the efforts invested by the entire team. She emphasized, “The film has had a wonderful journey since its release on OTT. The audience and people have liked it, and it has received lots and lots of rewards and appreciation from various forums.
. But the National Award is the icing on the cake because it’s the highest award, and I’m really happy with the recognition.”
The prestigious 70th National Film Awards were unveiled in a grand ceremony in the national capital, attended by the crème de la crème of the Indian film industry. The jury, led by eminent personalities such as Rahul Rawail, Chairperson of the Feature Film Jury, Nila Madhab Panda, Chairperson of the Non-Feature Film Jury, and Gangadhar Mudalair, Chairperson of the Best Writing on Cinema Jury, had the unenviable task of selecting the year’s best works from a plethora of compelling entries.
In addition to ‘Gulmohar’, several other films received special mentions and accolades. The Malayalam film ‘Kadhikan’, as well as ‘Ponniyin Selvan Part-1’ and Sanjoy Salil Chowdhury’s work, stood out for their artistic merit and creative storytelling.
Tagore’s return to acting with ‘Gulmohar’ is not just a significant personal achievement but also a testament to her enduring relevance and adaptability in an ever-evolving industry. Her portrayal in the film has been lauded for its depth and nuance, adding a rich layer of authenticity to the film’s exploration of familial dynamics.
Reflecting on the broader impact of ‘Gulmohar’, Tagore noted that the film’s success on various platforms had paved the way for meaningful conversations about family, change, and resilience. “It’s heartening to see that the film has resonated with so many people. It has sparked discussions and made people reflect on their own family dynamics and the changes they experience,” she commented.
As the film continues to garner accolades and appreciation, Tagore remains humble and grounded, attributing the film’s success to the collective efforts of the entire team. She expressed deep gratitude towards her co-stars, the director, the production team, and everyone involved in bringing ‘Gulmohar’ to life.
The elation surrounding ‘Gulmohar’s’ victory at the 70th National Film Awards is palpable, not just for Tagore but for everyone associated with the film. This recognition serves as a powerful validation of the hard work, dedication, and creative vision that went into its making. As Tagore aptly put it, “It’s a collective celebration,” one that underscores the collaborative spirit of filmmaking and the profound impact of cinema on society.
