Over the years, the awards have become more commercial or mass film friendly. In the bargain, the image of the awards seems to have taken a severe beating

The National Awards were earlier considered to be limited to only boring, arty films. However, it elicited a lot of respect as far as credibility and transparency was concerned.

Over the years, the awards have become more commercial or mass film friendly. In the bargain, the image of the awards seems to have taken a severe beating, mired with some kind of controversy or the other, every year.

This year, Dabangg has won a National Award in the 'Wholesome Entertainer Of The Year' category. While that choice is highly debatable and might attract some kind of controversy, the matter of the fact is that the awards have caught the bug of 'pleasing everyone' from every other popular awards around.

Having said that, National Awards still remains the only awards that actually looks beyond Bollywood and celebrates good films made in other languages. Never mind if J P Dutta, the head of the jury, makes big boo- boos while announcing the South Indian film names on national television.

We only hope that there is no further generosity in increasing the categories and giving away these honours or else there might come a day when some starlet might proudly display a National Award for the best item number on her mantle piece.

Past Controversies

The most prominent controversies involving the National awards:

2000 - Kirron Kher won the award in the Best Actress category for Bariwali. The controversy erupted when it was brought to light that producer of the film Anupam Kher had filled the nomination form claiming that its Kirron's original voice, whereas her voice for the Bengali film was dubbed by a Bengali actress, Rita Koiral.

2002 - Raveena Tandon wins the award for her role in Daman. Director Pradeep Krishen and two others alleged that a particular political party used its clout to get her the award.

The presence of her uncle MacMohan in the jury added to the ire. Three members of the jury, incuding Krishen, resigned over this issue.

Winning says!

Abhinav Kashyap (Dabangg, Wholesome Entertainer Of The Year)

INSTANT REACTION: I am very happy. To say that I wasn't expecting the award would be lying. I haven't had the time to think about the movie because my phone has been constantly ringing.

MY CALLING: My father called me up once he got the news. Anurag is in Cannes and I don't think he has got the news yet. I have shared the news with Arbaaz Khan who is in Dubai.

DEDICATION: I would like to dedicate the honour to Arbaaz. The producer gets the award for backing and nurturing the film, which he did to his best ability. He deserves it.

Rishi Kapoor (Best Actor, Do Dooni Chaar)

INSTANT REACTION: It's 7.30 am here. Your call woke me up. What a way to start my morning! I am holidaying in the US. I am thrilled! I have done so many big films but when a small budget film like Do Dooni Char gets such kind of response, nothing can make you more proud. It means small film with a good message has an appeal. The credit entirely goes to director Habib Faisal.

MY CALLING: Neetu is still asleep. She doesn't even know. Ranbir is in London. And I don't think he is aware. I will call him now.

DEDICATION: Ranbir has made me proud as a dad. And with this film, I have got a chance to make Ranbir proud.

Habib Faisal (Best Director, Do Dooni Chaar)

INSTANT REACTION: I have just seen the National Awards. It hasn't sunk in yet.

MY CALLING: I haven't called Rishi sir yet. He is in Las Vegas. I thought if I wake him up so early in the morning he would blast on me.

DEDICATIONS: I would like to dedicate this award to my dad who passed away last year. I would also dedicate it to all the teachers who are doing a good job.

As told to Mauli Singh