Ajay Devgn on National award: It is significant, represents Indian cinema and has an inclusive audience

Bollywood actor and filmmaker Ajay Devgn who won two National awards for the film Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior says even though he is receiving the honour for the third time, the award holds a huge significance for him and for Indian cinema, as he explained that it is coming from a larger demographic space.

He won the awards in the Best Actor category for his film Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, which he also produced, and won the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment award at the 68th National Award ceremony.

Ajay said, "I’m humbled and honoured to win two National awards for Tanhaji-The Unsung Warrior, one as a producer of the best film and one as best actor. I also share the best actor win with Suriya, whose cinema I like and respect."

Meanwhile, Suriya also won the Best actor award for the Tamil film titled Soorarai Pottru, directed by Sudha Kongara.

The Golmaal actor continued his speech and further added, "The National Award is significant because it comes from a larger demographic and it represents Indian cinema, embracing cultural and language barriers. And, it has an ‘inclusive’ audience."

The film Tanhaji was released in 2020 and it was a story based on the Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare, featuring Ajay in the title role and Saif Ali Khan, Sharad Kelkar, and Kajol in pivotal parts.

Ajay said that Tanhaji was his hundredth film that made inroads because it spoke of valour, friendship, family and national fervour.

Thanking the director of the film Om Raut, the actor said, "I thank Om Raut, the director and the entire technical team. Not to forget my co-actors, Saif Ali Khan and Kajol, both of who were pitch-perfect in the film."

The film not only won multiple awards but also had a good box office collection of approx rupees 367 crores.

Earlier Ajay won the National award in 1988 for the film Zakhm, and in 2002 for the film The Legend of Bhagat Singh. Both times he bagged the Best Actor awards for his performance.

The actor will next be seen in two upcoming films titled - Thank God and Drishyam 2. His much-awaited biographical sports drama Maidaan, an Amit Sharma directorial slated to release theatrically on February 17, 2023.