New Delhi, May 4 (IANS) Vishal Bhardwaj’s “Haider”, which faced protests while it was being filmed in Kashmir, walked away with five National Film Awards this year.
Humbled by the recognition, the filmmaker says he has already forgotten about all the obstacles, and terms shooting in Kashmir a “lovely experience”.
The Shahid Kapoor-starrer “Haider” is a modern-day adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy “Hamlet” with Kashmir as its backdrop.
“That is past for me. I have forgotten about it already. I don’t think I faced any problems while shooting there. It was a lovely experience,” Bhardwaj told IANS.
“Haider” won Best Male Playback Singer for Sukhwinder Singh for the song “Bismil”; Best Dialogues and Music Direction for the film’s director Vishal Bhardwaj; Best Choreography for Norway-based Sudesh Adhana; and Best Costume Designer for the effervescent Dolly Ahluwalia.
The team of the film was presented with the honour at the 62nd National Film Awards ceremony by President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday evening here.
“I am very happy and humbled by the award. It is above my expectation. I never expected that I will get one, but have been honoured with five,” he said.
“I mean two National Awards in one year is a big honour for any artist,” the director added.
His film “Haider” also stars Tabu, Shraddha Kapoor and Kay Kay Menon in key roles.