Akshay gets National Award

Akshay Kumar won his first National award for his role in courtroom drama Rustom, inspired by the 1959 Nanavati case, while Marathi film Kaasav was named the Best Picture. Akshay played a patriotic naval officer, who ends up in jail after killing his wife’s lover. Directed by Tinu Suresh Desai, the film was loosely based on the murder of Prem Ahuja by Commander K M Nanavati.  Rajesh Mapuskar got the Best Director award for his Marathi film Ventilator.

The jury, headed by filmmaker Priyadarshan, chose Amitabh Bachchan-starrer, a female-centric courtroom drama, Pink. as the Best Film on Social Issues. Surabhi C M was named the Best Actress for her role in the Malayalam film Minnaminungu–The Firefly. Sonan Kapoor-starrer  Neerja, a story on flight attendant Neerja Bhanot, who was killed by terrorists, while saving passengers after the plane was hijacked, bagged the Best Hindi Film award. The actress received a special mention for her critically-lauded performance. Dhanak was named the Best Children Film while Telugu movie Sathamanam Bhavathi was chosen as the Popular Film. Kashmiri actress Zaira Wasim was named the Best Supporting Actress for her role in Aamir Khan-starrer Dangal.