Rahul Deshpande on winning the National Film Award: Awards not important but it feels good

Singer-actor Rahul Deshpande’s first National Award is extremely special because it is for a movie based on his grandfather, Hindustani vocalist late Pandit Vasantrao Deshpande’s life

Singer-actor Rahul Deshpande’s first National Award is extremely special because it is for a movie based on his grandfather, Hindustani vocalist late Pandit Vasantrao Deshpande’s life. He won the award for the Best Playback Singer for the film Mee Vasantrao (2022).

Rahul Deshpande on winning the National Film Award: Awards not important but it feels good

“My grandfather was more known in the Marathi circle. Due to his upbringing in Pakistan, he also used to write Urdu. His style was different. I wanted to tell people how he lived. I have been trying to spread his music. He was 47-years-old when he came to the limelight and he passed away at the age of 60. (So), he didn’t get as much time as other artistes (did). I have never seen such a versatile human and artiste. I’m glad that my first award is for a movie on him,” says Deshpande.

The singer not only gave playback in the film but also played his grandfather in the film. He nonchalantly admits that he has not got many awards, but this national recognition, tickles him pink. “They (awards) not important but it feels good. It’s great to be recognised. I have received few awards in my life, and I never thought of getting them. But this one I did not expect,” the 42-year-old shares.

The National Awards were announced on Saturday evening and since then “it’s been hectic” for the singer-actor.

“It’s a ‘happy hectic’. I have decided that I want to enjoy this moment and whatever comes my way. Like the other day I was called for an interview in Mumbai. And I usually don’t go for interviews. I’m often reclusive and thinking of music. (But) I went there, only because I got the award and I wanted to enjoy it. I’m just enjoying the attention,” he ends.