Sarika tightlipped on National Award

The indefinite postponement of the 53rd National Film Awards has given rise to speculation that the jury is under pressure for having ignored Sanjay Leela Bhansali for best director award and Rani Mukherji for best actress award for the film Black. Rumours are the Bhansali camp feels Parzania doesn't deserve two awards — the best actress award for Sarika who plays the female lead and the best director award for Rahul Dholakai. The argument here is if Sarika is given the best actress award, then Bhanshali should be given the best director award, or vice versa.

Amitabh Bachchan, said to have bagged the best actor award for Black, is happy with the recognition. Rani Mukherji is tight lipped, hoping against hope there maybe a last minute surprise. Sarika's brilliant portrayal of a Parsi woman in Parzania has most certainly got her the award, but she and her director Rahul Dholakai refuse to comment, unless it's officially announced.

Several attempts to reach Sarika failed. Her secretary said she was away in Goa. After repeated attempts, someone else came onto the line and said, "Look, the awards are not yet announced. Sarika doesn't want to make a fool of herself by talking about it. Just imagine her plight if the news of her getting the award turns out to be false!"

Sources in Bollywood are certain there maybe a surprise, once the awards are made official. The Information and Broadcasting ministry will also be referring to the law department a high court judgment in favour of documentary filmmaker Anand Patwardhan on the submission of uncensored films for consideration at the National Awards.