National Awards: Munnabhai MBBS triumphs

Bollywood churns out so many 'formula films' that it is a relief when a different, refreshing film captures the attention of the audience. Like Munnabhai MBBS. The film deserved the Best Popular Film award in the recently announced 51^st National Awards 2003 while Koi Mil Gayagot three awards including the award for the Best Film on Social Issues.

The Nargis Dutt award for Best Film on National Integration went to Pinjar, a period film set during the partition. Manoj Bajpai got a special jury award for his portrayal of Rashid in the film. And yesteryear Bollywood star Sharmila Tagore walked away with the Best Supporting Actress Award for Abar Aaranye (Bengali).

Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy were adjudged the Best Music Directors while Sonu Nigam got the Best Male Playback singer award for the title song in Kal Ho Naa Ho. Farah Khan aced other choreographer with an award for best choreography in the song Main idhar chala, main udhar chala in Koi Mil Gaya

Now onto the others…southern artists Vikram and Meera Jasmine grabbed the Best Actor and Actress role for their roles in Pithamagan (Tamil) and Padam Onnu Oru Vilapam (Malayalam) respectively. Hrithik Roshan came close to Vikram but the southern actor emerged victor in the final count.

Gautam Ghose won the Best Director and Screenplay award for the film Abar Aranye while the Best Feature Film award went to Marathi film Shwaas. Chokher Bali got three awards - for Best Art Direction, Best Feature Film in Bengali and Best Costume Designs.

Arun Chitale was adjudged best child artist for his role in Shwaas along with Kalidasan for his tole in the Malayalam film Ente Veedu Appoontem. The Best Director award went to Rajiv Vijay Raghavan award for his Malayalam movie Maargam.

Tarali Sarma won was honored with the Best Female Playback singer award for her number Akashitorar Kothare in Assamese.

The good part about the announcements this year was that there were not many voices raised against 'unfair practices' while giving out the awards. This time, perhaps, the jury managed to satisfy most - a feat by itself.