National Awards: Kangana Wins Best Actress, Vishal Bhardwaj's Haider Wins In 5 Categories

Bhardwaj was also named for best dialogues in the movie while Sukhwinder Singh clinched the best male playback singer gong for the song Bismil. Its other two wins were in the categories of choreography and costume design.

The director said Haider's win at National awards reinstated his faith in making brave choices.

"The National award win makes you feel more fearless. And it again reiterates the fact that I should just follow my heart and not look for other people's approval for my work," Bhardwaj told PTI.

Sanchari Vijay was declared the best actor for his poignant portrayal of a woman trapped in a man's body in Kannada film Nanu Avanalla Avalu (I am not a he, but she).

"I am elated. Playing the character of a transgender was very difficult though I had played this character earlier in the tri-lingual film, but that was a very small role," Vijay said post the announcement.

Chotushkone, a film about four directors' attempt to make four short stories, won two more awards — best cinematography and screenplay (original). Srijit dedicated the win to late Rituparno Ghosh who was supposed to star in it.

"I dedicate this award to Ritu da (Rituparno Ghosh) and to the rest of the team involved in it. Ritu da was a part and parcel of the team which made Chotushkone," he said.

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