'Aligarh' director Hansal Mehta, who has teamed up with National award-winner Kangana Ranaut for his next film 'Simran', feels the actress is one of the big success stories of Bollywood.

Ranaut, 29, already a two-time National award-winner, recently won the best actress honour for her dual role in 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns'.

"I have asked her for a party. I always say that Kangana is one of the big success stories of Bollywood, from zero to hero. I am very happy for her win," Mehta told PTI.

His last directorial outing, 'Aligarh', has won widespread praise for handling the issue of homosexuality in a sensitive manner by re-telling the tragic but true story of Aligarh Muslim University Professor S R Siras.

When asked whether he expects a National award next year for 'Aligarh', Mehta said, "That's too early to say but we will apply for the Awards."

'Aligarh' starred Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao in lead roles. Mehta is already a National awardee as he won the best directing honour for 'Shahid' (2013).