Sanjay Leela Bhansali responds to 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' winning five National Awards

In 2022, Sanjay Leela Bhansali arrived with Gangubai Kathiawadi, who went on to redefine the statement of success. While the film did wonders at the box office by creating records in the post-pandemic era, it also swept major awards under its umbrella. Continuing the spree, the film has set its feet at the 69th National Films Awards 2023 by taking home the awards in 5 categories: Best Actress, Best Editing, Best Screenplay, Best Dialogue and Best Makeup.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi has taken over the 69th National Films Awards 2023. The film has won the National Award in 5 major categories. Sanjay Leela Bhansali won the award for Best Editing. Apart from this, Alia Bhatt won the Best Actress award for Gangubai Kathiawadi. Moreover, the film also took home an award for Best Screenplay (Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Utkarshini Vashishtha) and an award for Best Dialogue ( Utkarshini Vashishtha and Prakash Kapadia) and for Best Makeup. 

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi paved its journey through a lot of hurdles but successfully emerged as a national and global blockbuster. The film also ruled the box office windows with its massive collection of ₹153.69 Cr. at the domestic box office and ₹209.77 Cr. globally.

“I’m happy for everybody who has won, my film and other films, and everybody who has won. Good cinema gets acknowledged and a pat on the back from the government, and nationally and from a respectful jury; it always brings you joy,” said Sanjay Leela Bhansali as Gangubai Kathiawadi won 5 awards at the 69th National Films Awards 2023. 

“As far as cinema is celebrated from all over India, it is a wonderful moment for all of us. I’m too happy,” he added.

When it comes to his future projects, Sanjay has the ambitious series Heeramandi in the pipeline that is scheduled to premiere on Netflix.