Kangana Ranaut, Amitabh Bachchan to receive National Awards today

Kangana Ranaut (Tanu Weds Manu Returns) and Amitabh Bachchan (Piku) will receive their National Awards on Tuesday. The 63rd National Awards, announced on March 28, was criticised for awarding mainstream films.

President Pranab Mukherjee will honour Kangana Ranaut, Amitabh Bachchan and other recipients of 63rd National Awards in New Delhi on Tuesday. The National Awards, announced on March 28, were criticised for honouring mainstream films such as Baahubali and Bajirao Mastani while ignoring other critically acclaimed works.

Kangana Ranaut (Tanu Weds Manu Returns) and Amitabh Bachchan (Piku) will receive their National Awards on Tuesday.

Read: 63rd National Film Awards, complete list of winners

Since 2012, the prestigious National Film Awards ceremony is held every May 3 to commemorate the release date of the first Indian movie, Raja Harishchandra, a silent project by Dadasaheb Phalke. The best actor nods have gone to Amitabh Bachchan (Piku) and Kangana (Tanu Weds Manu Returns). This is Kangana’s third National Award and Amitabh’s fourth.

The first part of SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali was announced as the surprise best feature film winner.

The first part of SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus Baahubali was announced as the surprise best feature film winner, even as last year’s much appreciated Masaan had to contend itself with just a best debut director award for Neeraj Ghaywan. Sharat Katariya’s debut Dum Laga Ke Haisha, a ‘90s drama set in Haridwar, was named the best Hindi film.

Read: India’s National Film Awards have lost their art

Sweeping historical romance Bajirao Mastani helped its director Sanjay Leela Bhansali win the best director honour. Salman Khan-starrer cross-border drama Bajrangi Bhaijaan was named best popular film providing wholesome entertainment.