This is Bhansali's first National award as a director and the 53-year-old filmmaker is glad that finally his mother's prayers have been answered.
"This is my first National Award as a director. It is really very special to me. My mother always prayed that I should get one and here I get it. Her prayers are answered," Bhansali told PTI.
The director said he learnt about his National award win through a leading news channel. "People from unknown numbers kept calling me I just picked up one such call and they asked me to give a reaction on winning the National award. Then my mother just screamed. Her happiness means a lot to me," he added.
The Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra starrer was not only a blockbuster but also swept the award season this year. Bhansali, however, never anticipated a National award.
"With 'Bajirao Mastani' we have created history now. I am too thrilled to receive the honour," he said.
The film has also earned five other awards-- best supporting actress honour for Tanvi Azmi, best choreography for Remo D'Souza, best cinematogrpahy, production design, re-recordist.