Sanjay Leela Bhansali Becomes 7th National Award Winner As He Achieves An Award For 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' At 69th National Film Awards 2023

The 69th National Film Awards in 2023 mark a significant milestone for acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who secured his 7th iconic win with his masterpiece "Gangubai Kathiawadi." The movie, released in 2022, not only captivated the Indian audience but also achieved resounding success on the global stage. In an era shaped by the aftermath of the pandemic, the film not only set records but also garnered numerous prestigious awards.

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‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ added another feather to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's cap by clinching accolades in 5 major categories at the National Awards ceremony. Among these, Sanjay Leela Bhansali secured the National Award for Best Editing and Best Screenplay, underscoring his prowess as a visionary filmmaker.

The film also saw Alia Bhatt shine, as she received the Best Actress award for her stellar portrayal in the lead role. The exceptional storytelling was further recognized with awards for Best Screenplay (credited to Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Utkarshini Vashishtha) and Best Dialogue (attributed to Utkarshini Vashishtha and Prakash Kapadia). Additionally, the film's makeup, meticulously crafted by Preetisheel Singh D'souza, was honored with the Best Makeup award.

This momentous achievement propels Sanjay Leela Bhansali into the realm of 7-time National award winners. Previously, he had earned National Awards in 2002 for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment (‘Devdas’), in 2005 for Best Feature Film in Hindi (‘Black’), in 2014 for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment (‘Mary Kom’), in 2015 for Best Director (‘Bajirao Mastani’), in 2018 for Best Music Director (‘Padmaavat’), and now in 2023 for Best Screenplay and Best Editor (‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’).

‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ navigated its way through various challenges to emerge as a national and global blockbuster, garnering impressive box office numbers. The film not only amassed a colossal domestic collection of ₹153.69 Crores but also achieved remarkable global earnings, totaling ₹209.77 Crores.

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Sanjay Leela Bhansali's triumphant journey with ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ not only cements his position as a cinematic maestro but also underscores his ability to create captivating stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.