Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya has expressed immense gratitude and honor upon receiving the National Film Award for best director for his film “Uunchai.” This prestigious accolade has not only validated his craft but has also solidified his determination to continue telling compelling stories in cinema.
During the announcement of the 70th edition of the National Film Awards for the year 2022, which took place last Friday, Barjatya’s adventure drama “Uunchai” garnered significant acclaim. The film, which revolves around the inspiring journey of four aging friends who decide to scale Mt. Everest, has also won Neena Gupta her second best supporting actress award.
Reflecting on his win, Barjatya shared that it brought back vivid memories of his 1994 classic, “Hum Aapke Hain Koun…!”. The film, renowned for its wholesome entertainment, was honored with the National Film Award for best popular feature film. “I’m humbled to be recognized amongst the finest talents in Indian cinema during 2022. It reminds me of 30 years ago when ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’ won the National Award. The exhilaration and happiness I felt as a young director were unbelievable. However, this time around, the joy is more introspective. There’s a sense of gratitude and calmness that I feel as I accept this award for ‘Uunchai,'” Barjatya said in a statement.
Starring iconic actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, and Danny Denzongpa, “Uunchai” was released in November 2022. This movie marked Barjatya’s return to the big screen after a seven-year hiatus since his last film, “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo,” starring Salman Khan and Sonam Kapoor Ahuja.
. The narrative of “Uunchai” highlights the personal, emotional, and spiritual odysseys of four friends who undertake the daunting task of trekking to Mt. Everest, challenging their physical constraints and exploring the deeper meaning of freedom.
Barjatya commented, “I feel as though I’ve truly climbed Mount Everest today. This recognition belongs to my entire team of experienced actors and dedicated technicians, who bravely navigated the challenges of the pandemic and filmed in some of the most uncharted locations alongside me.” Known for classic family dramas like “Hum Saath-Saath Hain” and “Vivah,” Barjatya’s work has always resonated with audiences, highlighting the essence of familial bonds and moral values. “Our National Film Awards bring our industry together by celebrating films across different languages,” he added.
The filmmaker further emphasized that “Uunchai” holds a special place in his heart due to its significance in the 75th year of Rajshri Productions, the iconic production house founded by his late grandfather Tarachand Barjatya on August 15, 1947. “I dedicate this award to Rajshri Productions and to all my family elders from whom we continue to learn. Our shared vision is to create stories that are inspiring, joyous, and reinforce trust in one another and the power of goodness,” expressed Barjatya.
Apart from its lead cast, “Uunchai” also features remarkable performances by Sarika, Nafisa Ali Sodhi, and Parineeti Chopra in pivotal roles, further enriching the film’s narrative.
Sooraj Barjatya’s acknowledgment of the National Film Award for best director comes as a significant milestone in his illustrious career of over 35 years in the film industry. Known for weaving tales that have captivated generations, Barjatya reiterated that his journey in cinema is far from over. “As a director, my mission has been to continue telling stories, and I’m not done yet. There are many more stories to come,” he stated, signaling his unwavering commitment to storytelling in Indian cinema.
With “Uunchai,” Barjatya not only celebrates his legacy but also sets the stage for future narratives that promise to touch the hearts of audiences. As he looks forward to new horizons in filmmaking, his recent accolade stands testament to his enduring impact on cinema and storytelling.
