National Awards are only relevant awards left today: Kabir Khan

Filmmaker Kabir Khan, whose 2015 blockbuster film "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" has been honoured with a National Award, says it is the "only relevant" award left in the country which recognises content-oriented films.

"Bajrangi Bhaijaan", which stars Bollywood superstar Salman Khan in the lead, was named the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment at the 63rd National Awards announcement here on Monday.

"I'm very happy for getting my second National Award after 'Kabul Express'. National Awards are the only relevant awards left today in the country," Kabir told IANS over phone.

"'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' is a film which has got a lot of love since its release. It's a film that talks about love and overcoming boundaries between communities. For a film like this to get box office success and a National Award makes a perfect combination," he added.

Sharing his experience of working with the "Dabangg" star, Kabir, who earlier worked with Salman in "Ek Tha Tiger", said: "We (Salman and I) do make a good team and we are very much comfortable working with each other.

"The fact that 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' got wild at box office as it did, is mainly because of Salman Khan in it, and that's the power of mainstream cinema."

The movie delves into the story of a simpleton named Bajrangi (Salman), who embarks on a journey to take a mute six-year-old Pakistani girl (Harshaali Malhotra) separated in India from her mother, back to her hometown in Pakistan.

An emotional and touching drama, the movie had touched the right chords with audiences on both sides of the border upon its release.