National Film Award winners’ reaction

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday distributed the National Film Awards 2021 to the 35 winners under 27 categories in recognition of their contributions to the film industry. This year, the jury board selected the winners from the eventual submissions of 21 full-fledged films, 17 short films, and 7 documentary films—totaling 45 films. The award-giving ceremony was held at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in the city. The Business Post’s Afsana Asha pointed out reactions from some of the winner.

Siam Ahmed (Best Actor - Mridha Bonam Mridha)

I received the best actor award at the National Film Awards 2021 from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the film Mridha Bonam Mridha. This is my second National Film Award. I am grateful to my family, audience, colleagues, and industry. ‘Mridha Bonam Mridha’ is a very special film for me, even for us. We shot together for 18 days, what a wonderful time we spent together! My gratitude to everyone associated with this movie. In particular, I am grateful to the director Roni Bhowmik, screenwriter Raihan Khan and my co-star Nova Feroze. If Tariq Anam Khan gets this award, I would be most happy. I believe, the father (Tarik Anam Khan - who played the role of the father in the film) will be very happy with this achievement of his son. This award is also for him.

Mir Sabbir (Best Actor in Lead Role - Raat Jaga Phool)

This day will always be memorable for me. If my father were alive, then I would also bring him with me. Although my beloved family and colleagues are with me, I am missing my father a lot. The memory of this day will forever be engraved in my heart. It’s a big thing for me that the honorable Prime Minister likes my work and has blessed me. She told me to make more good films in the future. This was such a beautiful moment for me that I can’t explain it in words.

Dolly Jahur (Lifetime Achievement Award)

I feel blessed to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. I am paying my respects to the Prime Minister. Giving National Film Awards to the cast and crew of films will provide extra motivation. I thank the Jury Board of the National Film Awards 2021.

Muhin Khan (Best male playback singer - Padmapuran)

The honour comes from Almighty Allah. Gratitude for being honoured. Thank you our Prime Minister, your behavior impressed me. I will talk about this award for the next few days. Artists expect respect more than money. The artists and all present have suffered from the water crisis. All suffering is bearable, but water suffering is terrible. It is better if only people from the film industry are invited to the award ceremony.

Azmeri Haque Badhon (Best Actress - Rehana Maryam Noor)

Of course, I am very happy and proud to win National Film Award for the first time. I received this award from the honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. So I like it very much. My parents and my one and only daughter were present at the ceremony and enjoyed this precious time. I don’t know if this moment will ever come again in this life. However, my parents felt much honored to be present at the event. But it was difficult for them to stay at the event for a long time. I dedicate this award to those who are deprived of freedom and rights all over the world. My film Rehana Maryam Noor has been honored at various festivals around the world. In that regard, I agree that the film could have been awarded in several other categories at the National Film. I still feel sad about this.