Sanjay Mishra wins National Award for Best Supporting Actor for Bhakshak

A long-awaited honour

Veteran actor Sanjay Mishra has won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 2024 film Bhakshak. The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, held on Saturday, recognised the actor's nuanced performance in the crime drama.

Mishra played a gritty police officer in the film, which is based on true events. His portrayal earned widespread critical acclaim. The actor, known for his work in both mainstream and independent cinema, said the award is a validation of his craft.

Sanjay Mishra's reaction

Speaking to reporters after receiving the award, Mishra expressed deep gratitude. He said that the recognition from the national jury is a special milestone in his career spanning over three decades.

“This is not just my win. It belongs to the entire team of Bhakshak,” Mishra said. He credited the film's director and co-stars for creating an environment that allowed him to deliver his best performance.

Mishra also thanked his family and fans for their unwavering support. He said that he hopes this award will encourage filmmakers to cast him in more challenging roles.

Randeep Hooda voices disappointment

In a separate development, actor Randeep Hooda reacted to the fact that his directorial debut Swatantrya Veer Savarkar did not win any awards. The biographical drama, in which Hooda also played the lead role, was considered a strong contender in several categories.

Hooda took to social media to express his feelings. He said that while he respects the jury's decision, he is disappointed that the film did not receive the recognition he felt it deserved.

Swatantrya Veer Savarkar tells the story of Indian independence activist Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The film was released in 2024 and received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for Hooda's performance.

Other winners at the 72nd National Film Awards

The 72nd edition of the National Film Awards celebrated the best of Indian cinema from 2024. Several films and artists were honoured across various categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Actor, and Best Director.

The awards are presented by the Directorate of Film Festivals, an organisation under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. They are considered among the most prestigious honours in Indian cinema.

Details of the complete winners list in other major categories are expected to be released by the official organisers soon.

What to watch next

Sanjay Mishra has several projects lined up for release in the coming months. His win at the National Awards is likely to increase anticipation for his upcoming films. Randeep Hooda, meanwhile, is expected to announce his next directorial venture soon.