As I sit down to pen this extraordinary experience, I am still basking in the euphoria of that unforgettable night in Delhi. The announcement of the National Award for Best Bengali Feature Film for Deep Fridge was a dream come true, and the journey that followed was nothing short of magical.
The moment I heard the news, I was in a state of shock, unable to register the magnitude of the moment. My nephew, Ruhel, and his friends were watching the live telecast of the National Awards, and they erupted in cheers and screams of excitement. Ruhel ran into my room, hugged me tightly, and broke the news. My father, overwhelmed with emotion, came in, kissed my forehead, and started crying. It finally sank in — I had won the National Award!
The next few days were a blur as I prepared to travel to Delhi to receive the award. I had to postpone my spine surgery, but the thought of holding that prestigious award in my hands gave me the strength to push through. As I reached Delhi with my nephew, I was whisked away to Vigyan Bhawan for the ceremony rehearsal. Everything was planned meticulously, from the numbering of awardees to the timing, and the emcees going through the script.
The actual event was a star-studded affair, and I was thrilled to share the stage with legends like Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Mohanlal, who also received National Awards this year. It was surreal, and I felt like I was living a dream. Shah Rukh Khan’s presence was electrifying, and I kept looking at him, mesmerised. He even clapped for me when I received my award, and it was magical.
The ceremony was smooth, thanks to the organisers, and everyone from the NFA team was so cooperative, especially considering my health issues. Achal Malhotra, CEO of Waves, was a kind soul who helped me on stage, putting me at ease. I met many talented individuals, including Karan Johar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and Meghna Gulzar. At the party, I spoke to Ashutosh Gowariker, who was also the chairperson of the National Film Awards this year. He complimented me on my film, saying he was moved by Deep Fridge. Other jury members also praised the progressive approach of the film.
I recall the moment I stepped onto the stage, and my heart skipped a beat. I felt a rush of adrenaline. Luckily, I managed to keep my cool and collect myself quickly. The thought of my mother’s presence, watching over me, gave me the strength to push through. I dedicate this award to my late mother, who fought a brave battle with Motor Neuron Disease during the making of Deep Fridge. I know she is watching over me, and this award is for her.
Deep Fridge is a film close to my heart, exploring the complexities of relationships and the emotional aftermath of divorce. It’s a story that resonated with festival audiences and critics alike, and I am thrilled to see it receiving national recognition. As I look back on that day, I am filled with gratitude and pride. The National Award is not just a recognition of my work; it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of my entire team. I am proud to be a part of Bengali cinema, and this award is a proud moment for our industry.
Abir Chatterjee and Tnusree C
I hope this win inspires young filmmakers to tell their stories, push boundaries, and create impactful cinema. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported me on this journey — my team, my family, my friends, and the jury members who believed in Deep Fridge.
This National Award is a dream come true, and I will cherish it forever. The journey of Deep Fridge has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with ups and downs, but it’s a testament to the power of cinema to evoke emotions and spark conversations.
As I conclude, I am reminded of the words of Satyajit Ray — “The director’s job is to create a world, and the audience’s job is to believe in it.” I am grateful to have embarked on this journey, and I look forward to the next chapter in my life. The National Award has given me a newfound sense of purpose, and I am eager to continue telling stories that matter. I believe that cinema has the power to bring people together, to spark conversations, and to inspire change. I am proud to be a part of this journey, and I look forward to seeing where it takes me.
In the end, it’s not just about the award; it’s about the journey, the people, and the stories that make it all worthwhile. I am grateful for this experience, and I will carry it with me for the rest of my life. I hope my audience will join me on this journey, and together, we’ll make a difference, one story at a time. The film Deep Fridge is a reflection of my own experiences and emotions, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to share it with the world. I hope it finds a special place in the hearts of audiences, and I look forward to sharing more stories with them.
From my maiden film Abyakyo, I’ve been trying to tell varied stories, be it my second outing Guldasta, followed by Shrimati and Deep Fridge and more recently Bibi Payra, which is in the post-production stage. I’ve not restricted myself to any particular genre. I love telling humane stories, stories that are marked by compassion, empathy and consideration for one another. Deep Fridge (starring Abir Chatterjee, Tnusree C and Anuradha Mukherjee) is one such project which has been made with a lot of love and heart. This award has also actually made me believe in magic. An honest heart’s prayer never goes unheard. The universe is abundant, and I’m so grateful to it for making this happen so early in my career.
As I look back on the making of Deep Fridge, I am reminded of the countless hours of hard work, the sleepless nights, and the endless debates. But most of all, I am reminded of the passion and dedication of my team, who believed in the project and worked tirelessly to bring it to life.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented team, and I am proud of what we have achieved together. The National Award is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and I am honoured to be a part of this journey. As I move forward, I am excited to see what the future holds for Deep Fridge and for me as a filmmaker. I am eager to continue telling stories that matter, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to share this journey with my audience.