At the 70th National Film Awards ceremony in New Delhi, Sooraj Barjatya and Gupta said proudly accepted their awards from President Droupadi Murmumarking yet another milestone in their illustrious careers. Barjatya, the iconic filmmaker known for his grand family dramas, has won the prestigious National Award for Best Director for his film Uunchai. Alongside Barjatya’s win, Unchai also brought recognition to veteran actress Neena Gupta, who won her second National Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film.
Reflecting on his journey with Uunchai, Barjatya shared, “Uunchai wasn’t the kind of film people expected from me. It didn’t have the usual grandeur of my earlier works, but it came from my heart. I didn’t choose Uunchai; it chose me. Today, this award is the perfect culmination of that journey.”
Uunchai, the 60th film from Rajshri Productionswas conceived and shot during the pandemic, a time of great uncertainty for filmmakers and audiences alike. The film tells the poignant story of friendship, hope, and resilience, shot against the backdrop of the Himalayas. It was the first Hindi film to be shot at Everest Base Camp, over 17,000 feet above sea level, making it both a physical and creative challenge for the entire cast and crew.
“This film pushed me to new heights, both literally and creatively,” Barjatya said, recounting the risks involved in shooting in such extreme conditions. The film’s emotional resonance and stunning visuals connected deeply with audiences, proving once again that a great story can transcend conventional filmmaking expectations.
Thirty years after Who are you? won the National Award for Best Popular Film, Barjatya once again stood on the prestigious stage, this time honored as Best Director. “Back then, as a young director, the rush of excitement was overwhelming. Today, the feeling is one of deep gratitude and calm,” Barjatya reflected. He dedicated the award to Rajshri Productions, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and to the mentors who helped shape his career, including Mahesh Bhatt, N. Chandra, and Hiren Nag.
In addition to Barjatya’s win, Uunchai earned Neena Gupta her second National Award for Best Supporting Actress. Gupta’s portrayal of Shabina Siddique brought an emotional richness and depth to the film, which was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. “Neena Gupta’s performance in Uunchai is a testament to her extraordinary talent and dedication. Her win is well deserved, and it only adds to the joy of this recognition,” Barjatya commented.
Anupam Kher recollects his first meeting with ‘Uunchai’ director Sooraj Barjaty
Uunchai was the result of a successful collaboration between Rajshri Productions, Mahaveer Jain Films, and Boundless Media. The film’s success was a testament to the teamwork and dedication of everyone involved, from the production team to the star-studded cast, which included Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Sarika, and Parineeti Chopra.
“My entire cast was my backbone during the making of Uunchai,” Barjatya said. “Their belief in me and the film, and their willingness to endure such challenging conditions, made this journey unforgettable.”
As Uunchai continues to inspire audiences, Barjatya is already looking ahead. “I’m not done yet,” he said with a smile. “There are many more stories to tell and many more heights to reach.”