Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj is overwhelmed that his film Haider, which completed his Shakespearean trilogy, bagged five National Film Awards on March 24. He said that the honour has exceeded the team’s expectations.
“We have got more than what we expected. We have got five awards and I am overwhelmed,” Mr Bhardwaj told reporters.
Haider – a modern-day adaptation of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet – set in the backdrop of Kashmir, won Best Male Playback Singer for Sukhwinder Singh for the song Bismil; Best Dialogues and Music Direction for the film’s director Vishal Bhardwaj; Best Choreography for Norway-based Sudesh Adhana; and Best Costume Designer for the effervescent Dolly Ahluwalia.
“While making this film, I went with my conviction and I am happy that it has been appreciated,” added Mr Bhardwaj, who has won four National Film Awards in the past.
His film Haider stars Shahid Kapoor, Tabu and Kay Kay Menon in key roles, and Mer Bhardwaj was disappointed that Shahid didn’t win an award for his path-breaking performance in a complex character.
“I am a bit disappointed for Shahid. His performance was really good in the film. I feel sad for Shahid,” said the filmmaker, whose past movies Maqbool and Omkara were also inspired by Williams Shakespeare’s plays.
