Bachchan, Kangana win big at Bollywood heavy National Awards

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan won his fourth National award for ‘Piku’, while it was a second consecutive best actress win for Kangana Ranaut at the National Film Awards announced here on Monday, which saw Bollywood’s dominance in major categories, barring the top prize that went to multilingual ‘Baahubali’.

Bachchan won the best actor honour for his turn as a hypochondriac father in the road-trip family drama. He previously won the honour for ‘Agneepath’, ‘Black’ and ‘Paa’.

Ranaut, who turned 29 last week, was declared the winner for her endearing dual turn as Tanu, a troublesome wife and Haryanvi sportsperson Datto in romantic comedy ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’. 

The actress called it the ‘best birthday gift’ especially since she gets to honour with Bachchan. “It is the best birthday gift I could have got. I am thrilled and feel blessed especially since Mr Bachchan is the best actor with me,” Ranaut said in a statement.

This is the third trophy for Ranaut at the National Awards, having won best actress for "Queen" last year and earlier for best supporting actress for 2008 film "Fashion".

SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus ‘Baahubali’ was announced the best feature film winner by filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, who headed a 11-member jury, even as last year’s much appreciated ‘Masaan’ had to contend itself with just a best debut director award for Neeraj Ghaywan.

“Baahubali” star Rana Daggubati said, “I am thrilled. We took a risk and attempted something different with it. Now with this award we feel honoured.”  

Sweeping historical romance ‘Bajirao Mastani’, starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, helped its director Sanjay Leela Bhansali win the best director honour, besides bagging five more honours.