New Delhi: Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has expressed his disappointment over his critically acclaimed film 'Aligarh' not figuring in the winners of the truth National Film awards announced yesterday. In a statement, Hansal Mehta, however, called on his team to continue to work "to make movies that we believe in". Taking to Twitter, Hansal said the team was definitely disappointed. “I am getting calls asking me if Aligarh was shortlisted for the National Awards and if I was disappointed with the results.
Yes, Aligarh was nominated, and while we are disappointed like many other colleagues. I would like to congratulate winners. The jury has a difficult job every year and there are bound to be disappointments for many, a few debatable awards and much hurt over being overlooked. At the same time, some fine films have been rewarded and some excellent work has been recognised. To all my colleagues who poured their hearts out into 'Aligarh', lets juts keep making our films with love and care- awards or no awards.
There is no point brooding over the results. There is merit in only moving on and continuing to work, to make movies that we believe in. Manoj, Apu, Raj, Satya, Neil, Mandar and the entire team, you are all my champions,' the filmmaker said. "My only hope is that the debate over Section 377 and LGBT rights is not ignored.
If 'Aligarh' has shone a light on these issues and if India’s ignored LGBTQ population are able to move forward with dignity, rights and unconditional integration into the mainstream we will consider our task in making Aligarh accomplished," Hansal added. Akshay Kumar won the best actor award at the National film awards while Sonam Kapoor starrer 'Neerja' won the award for best hindi film. (UNI)