National Film Awards

The President of India, Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam presented the 51^st national film Awards to winners of different categories at a function, recently.  Noted filmmaker Mrinal Sen received the Dada Saheb Phalke Award for 2003. The Award, instituted in 1969, is given every year to a film personality for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. The Award consists of a Swarna Kamal, a Shawl and cash prize.

The Best Feature Film Award for the year 2003 was given to Marathi film ‘’Shwaas’’. The Award carries a Swarna Kamal and Rs 50,000 each for Producer and Director of the film. Swarna Kamal and cash prize of Rs 40,000 each for Producer and Director for

“Best Popular Film providing wholesale entertainment” was given to Hindi film “Munnabhai M B B S”.

Nargis Dutt Award for the Best Feature Film on National Integration was presented to Hindi film, “Pinjar”. The Award carries a Rajat Kamal and cash prize each for Producer and Director of the film.

 Indira Gandhi Award for the Best First Film of a Director was given to Malayalam film, “Maargam”. The Award for the best film on other social issues such as prohibition, women and child welfare, anti-dowry, drug abuse, welfare of the handicapped etc., was given to the Hindi film, “Koi Mil Gaya”.

The Award for the Best direction was won by Goutam Ghose (film Abar Aranye) for his complex weaving of human destinies across a wide range of socio-political and cinematic histories.

Best Actor Award was given to Tamil actor Vikram for his role in “Pithamagan”

Best Actress Award was given to Meera Jasmine for her role in the Malayalam film “Padam Onnu Oru Vilapam”.

Pankaj Kapoor received the best supporting actor award for
Maqbool.

            Sharmila Tagore won the best supporting actress award for her performance in Abar Aranye.Abar Aranye

The Award for the Best Child Artist was shared by Ashwin Chitale and Kalidasan for their roles in film, “Shwaas” and “Ente Veedu Appontem”.

 The Award for the Best Male Playback Singer was given to Sonu Nigam

Best Female Playback singer award went to  Tarali Sarma.

The Special Jury Award was given to actor Manoj Bajpai for his portrayal in “Pinjar”, of the dilemma of a man caught between the dictats of his community and his love for his wife. 

Saibal Chatterjee was presented the Best Film Critic award for incisive, bold and realistic criticism of the film industry couched in a refreshing style of writing. 

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