Know who chose Amitabh-Kangana for the National Awards-11 Members are

So here are the 11 jury members who decided which were the best films of the year...starting with...

Ramesh Sippy

The head of the committee. and the director of epic films like Sholay, Shaan etc. (which did star Amitabh Bachchan...just saying)

Gangai Amaran

He is a music director, and lyricist in Tamil films. He is also the father of Venkat Prabhu, who directed Saroja, Masss, Goa and Chennai 600028 and actor, Premji Amaren. Just to note, he is also the younger brother of music director Ilayaraaja (who won the National award for the best BG score in Thaarai Thappatai)

Sandip Datta

Not got much info here...but perhaps he is the editor of a Bengali film called Maya Bazar. Will update more info later.

John Mathew Matthan

Director of the iconic Sarfarosh, starring Aamir Khan. Hadn't made much films after that, except for the dud Shikhar, that starred Shahid Kapoor and Ajay Devgn.

Dharam Gulati

He has been a Cinematographer of a few films, the most notable being Road to Sangam (starring Paresh Rawal) and Rudaali.

Gyan Sahay

Another noted director and cinematographer, who helmed camera for the incoic TV series Dekh Bhai Dekh, as well as directed Sar Ankhon Par (that had SRK in cameo).

S R Leela

Author of about 15 books, and also produced film in Sanskrit!

K Vasu

Telugu director who made films like Intlo Srimathi Veedhilo Kumari and America Alludu

Satish Kaushik

Prominent actor in films like Mr India, Ram Lakhan, Brick Lane, and also director of many a hit film like Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain, Tere Naam etc.

Shyamaprasad

National award Malayalam director of films like Rithu, Ore Kadal and Akale

Munin Barua

One of the famed Assamese film director for films like Pita-Putro, Prabhati Pokhir gaan, Hiya Diya Niya, Daag, Nayak

Find the award declaratio

Tough fight between Bajirao Mastani and Baahubali for National Awards: Satish Kaushik

Mumbai: Actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik who headed the jury for the 63rd National Awards says this was one of the best years in the history of Indian cinema. "There were a lot of outstanding films in different languages from across the country. In Marathi category, we had a tough time choosing the best film. We finally chose Makarand Mane's Ringan," said Kaushik.

But it was Bollywood that dominated this year's National awards. "And why not? The jury is being questioned for giving so much prominence to Hindi cinema this time. But the National Awards are supposed to honour excellence, not regionalism. This time we felt that Hindi films were truly at the peak of their creativity. This has been one of the best years for Hindi cinema," added Kaushik.

Satish admitted that it was a tough task deciding the Best Director between Sanjay Leela Bhansali and S.S Rajamouli. "It was a tough call. Baahubali and Bajirao Mastani were neck to neck. But we felt Bhansali had an edge. His end-product was superior to Rajamouli's film. Baahubali is no doubt an epic achievement. It is the first Indian film to put our cinema on a par with Hollywood. But we felt in terms of detailing, drawing out etched performances from each actor and the sheer breadth of the images and emotions Bajirao Mastani had an edge."

Apparently there were rumblings of discontent about honouring Amitabh Bachchan --yet again with the National award for Best Actor.

But Satish Kaushik and the majority of the jury members held their ground. "Bhai, yeh kya baat hui? Just because he has been receiving awards for 40 years -- there is no reason to honour him. One can't put a full stop on excellence. The National Awards jury felt that Amitabh Bachchan's portrayal in Piku of the irritable Bengali gentleman was unique and exceptional. We had to honour him."

As for Kangana Ranaut's National award for Best Actress, Satish says, "Her portrayal of the Haryanvi hockey player Datto in Tanu Weds Manu Returns has become an inspiration for thousands of Indian girls from small towns who are not sophisticated and savvy. But have a dream. Her performance epitomizes that dream."

Satish further went on to say that, "We have also honoured Kalki in Margarita with a Straw for the same reason. Her performance is inspiring. As for those who are saying Ramesh Sippy and I have favoured Bollywood I've one thing to say. We've favoured excellence. Not geography."