Renowned filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya recently shared his profound gratitude and honor upon being awarded the National Film Award for Best Director for his latest cinematic venture, “Uunchai.” Barjatya, an influential figure in Indian cinema, emphasized that his journey is far from over and that he has many more stories to tell.
At the prestigious 70th edition of the National Film Awards, celebrating the best of Indian cinema in 2022, Barjatya’s adventurous drama “Uunchai” not only won him the award for Best Director but also secured Neena Gupta her second Best Supporting Actress trophy. The film, which intricately portrays the lives of four aging friends preparing to scale Mt. Everest, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Reflecting on his achievement, Barjatya drew parallels to his earlier triumph with the 1994 classic “Hum Aapke Hain Koun…!” This iconic film had garnered the National Film Award for Best Popular Film soon after its release. “I’m humbled to be recognized among the best filmmakers in the country for 2022. This win takes me back 30 years to when ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’ received the National Award for Best Film. The sheer excitement and happiness I felt as a young director were overwhelming,” he recounted nostalgically.
However, Barjatya described his current feelings as markedly different. “Today, receiving the National Award for Best Director for ‘Uunchai’ brings a profound sense of gratitude and calm. The happiness is more internal now. For the past 35 years, my mission has been to keep telling stories, and that mission continues. I’m not done yet; there are many more stories to come,” he asserted with determination.
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“Uunchai,” released in November 2022, marked Barjatya’s return to the big screen after a seven-year hiatus following “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo,” which starred Salman Khan and Sonam Kapoor Ahuja. The film features a stellar cast comprising Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, and Danny Denzongpa. It weaves a touching tale of friendship, personal growth, and the quest for freedom as the protagonists confront their physical limitations during their ambitious trek.
Barjatya expressed his deep appreciation for his team, stating, “I feel I have truly climbed Mount Everest today. This immense recognition belongs to my entire team of senior actors and technicians who braved the pandemic and worked at challenging locations with me.” He is also known for his classic family dramas such as “Hum Saath-Saath Hain” and “Vivah,” which have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
Highlighting the significance of the National Film Awards, Barjatya said, “Our National Film Awards unite our industry because they celebrate films made in every language, showcasing the rich diversity of Indian cinema.” This sentiment underscores the inclusive nature of the awards, which recognize and honor cinematic excellence across the country’s varied linguistic and cultural landscape.
Further reflecting on “Uunchai,” Barjatya noted its special significance given that it was created during the 75th anniversary of his production house, Rajshri Productions. The company, founded by his late grandfather Tarachand Barjatya on August 15, 1947, has been an integral part of his filmmaking journey. “I dedicate this award to Rajshri Productions and to all my elders in the family. We continue to learn and strive to tell stories that can inspire, bring happiness, and instill trust in each other and in the power of goodness,” he passionately declared.
The film also featured notable performances from actors such as Sarika, Nafisa Ali Sodhi, and Parineeti Chopra, who played pivotal roles that enriched the narrative. As Barjatya relishes his well-deserved accolade, his reflections and forthcoming projects undoubtedly have the industry and his fans, eagerly anticipating what he will deliver next from his creative repertoire.
In sum, Barjatya’s recent triumph with “Uunchai” is not just a personal milestone but a testament to his enduring contribution to Indian cinema. His statement, “I’m not done yet,” assures audiences that there are still many more compelling stories and cinematic experiences to come from this seasoned storyteller. As he continues to scale new heights in his career, his achievements inspire both his contemporaries and budding filmmakers across the nation.
