Hopefully, next year: Aditya Dhar hints at Dhurandhar's National Award run

Filmmaker Aditya Dhar is hopeful of returning to the National Film Awards red carpet next year with his blockbuster Dhurandhar. The filmmaker, who joined his wife and actor Yami Gautam at the ceremony in Gujarat's Kevadia on Tuesday, said he was there to cheer for his wife and hoped to bring his film to the awards next year.

Gautam is being conferred the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Article 370, produced by Dhar. When asked about having a fabulous two years with back-to-back successful films, Dhar put the spotlight back on his wife and said, "We are here for Article 370. We'll discuss Dhurandhar, hopefully, if we come next year also. But today, it's all about Article 370."

Gautam, who is receiving her first National Film Award this year, expressed her excitement at the honour. The 37-year-old said she could not believe she was living her dreams. "It feels great. This is the biggest validation for any artiste. It's the highest honour that's presented to you by your country. I don't think I'll be able to express it right now," she said.

Gautam added that Article 370 gave her everything as an actor that she had been waiting to achieve for years. "I am still trying to soak in. I am smiling but from the inside, I am still feeling like the energy of a newcomer for whom everything is so big and so special. For a film like Article 370, which gave me so much as an artiste, as an actor - everything I had been wanting to do for the longest time," she added.

The 72nd National Film Awards are honouring the best of Indian cinema from 2024. Dhar's Dhurandhar, which was released in 2025, will qualify for consideration at next year's awards. Interestingly, the second part of the film, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, was released in 2026, which means Dhar could still submit the film for consideration in a subsequent edition.

Others being felicitated this year include Kartik Aaryan and Malayalam superstar Mammootty, who are sharing the Best Actor Award for their performances in Chandu Champion and Brahmayugam, respectively. Veteran actor Anant Nag is also being felicitated with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award this year.- EndsPublished By: Vineeta KumarPublished On: Sep 22, 2026 16:14 ISTRead more | Follow National Film Awards LIVE