'Chhichhore' director speaks on winning National Award without Sushant
Yesterday, it was announced that Sushant Singh Rajput's last theatrical release Chhichhore has won the National Award in the Best Hindi (Feature) Film category. While the director Nitesh Tiwari was elated, he missed Rajput's presence. "There is a joy but there is sadness too; it's a mixed feeling as Sushant is not here with us anymore to share this moment," he said.
The win was surprising for Tiwari
Speaking to ETimes, Tiwari said he was grateful to the jury. "Seriously, it hadn't even crossed my mind that Chhichhore would be under consideration for a National Award," the director added. He was shooting for a commercial when the news broke. "It was only when my wife (Ashwiny Iyer) told me on the set that I came to know," he said.
Tiwari remembered Rajput after 'Chhichhore' won
Producer Sajid Nadiadwala also dedicated the award to Rajput
Separately, the movie's producer, Sajid Nadiadwala, dedicated the win to Rajput, who played the lead role. "On behalf of NGE, I dedicate this extremely prestigious award to Sushant Singh Rajput. We can't get over his loss ever but I sincerely pray that this award gives a little bit of happiness to his family and fans which includes me," he told the daily.
Rajput's co-stars also kept him in their thoughts
Shraddha Kapoor, who played Rajput's love interest in the movie, wrote on social media that she missed him. Actor Tushar Pandey wrote, "Can't describe what this film is to all of us. Very grateful for this. For you buddy. (sic)" Varun Sharma penned, "This one is for you Kammo," referring to Rajput's character. He also shared a BTS picture on his Instagram handle.
'Chhichhore' was widely appreciated by critics and viewers
The film, that had released in September 2019, focused on college friendships. Rajput was shown as a middle-aged man, who told his son the importance of loving his life after the latter attempted suicide. Ironically, Rajput himself passed away in June 2020 of an alleged suicide. His death had sent shockwaves across the country and the case is being probed by three central agencies.
