Amitabh Bachchan's win was expected, hoped for Deepika too: Shoojit

Pic Courtesy: Movie Still

New Delhi: Director Shoojit Sircar says he was not surprised with Amitabh Bachchan's National award honour for his performance in "Piku", but he was also hoping for film's leading lady Deepika Padukone to win.

While Bachchan scored his fourth best actor National award for his turn as a hypochondriac father in the family drama, Deepika, who played his short-tempered daughter Piku, lost to Kangana Ranaut at the 63rd National Awards.

"We were expecting Mr Bachchan to win. I was quite sure that he had great chances of winning the best actor award as he was incredible as Bhashkor Banerjee. I was really hoping for Deepika to win the best actress award as I feel she gave a beautiful performance," Shoojit told PTI.

"But Kangana is another fine talent and I am sure the jury found her deserving of the honour," he added. Kangana bagged the trophy for her double role in Aanand L Rai's "Tanu Weds Manu Returns".

"Piku", meanwhile, also won for the best original screenplay and dialogues. Writer Juhi Chaturvedi shared the award with Himanshu Sharma, who won it for "Tanu Weds Manu Returns".

Producer Ronnie Lahiri said that while he does not wish to question the jury's decision, he did feel sad that the movie failed to win the best feature film award.

"As a producer I am sad as I expected us to win the best film award but I can't question the jury as it is the same panel, which gave award to Mr Bachchan and Juhi," Ronnie said.

Shoojit feels it is the relatability of the father-daughter story that clicked with the masses and the critics.

"I didn't hear a single person saying, 'We can't relate to these people'. From Bhashkor to Piku, audience related with all the characters in the film and the situations. I think that worked for the movie.

"The film was an array of conversations that happen in people's drawing rooms, kitchen... With 'Piku', viewers could see their days, nights coming alive on screen." In today's times, when online messaging is fast replacing in-person chats, Shoojit says "Piku" becomes quite relevant as it shows the value of open dialogue with family and friends to strengthen relationships.

"'Piku' is very important in the current scenario as it calls for more communication between kids and their parents. It shows how people should take care of their parents because after an age, they need to be kept alive and only children can do that."