70th National Film Awards: Sooraj R Barjatya Bags Best Director For Uunchai

Sooraj Barjatya, who has given Bollywood several blockbuster movies, has bagged his first National Film Award for Uunchai, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Parineeti Chopra, Anupam Kher and Boman Irani. The National Awards were announced today, August 16, by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) at a presser in New Delhi. Neena Gupta also won Best Supporting Actress for the same film.

Sooraj Barjatya wins first National Film Award

Veteran filmmaker Sooraj R Barjatya bagged the Best Director award for Uunchai at the 70th National Film Awards for the year 2022. The director is known for directing hit movies such as Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Hum Saath-Saath Hain, Vivah, and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. Uunchai marked the director's return after seven years.

What is Uunchaai about?

The film tells the story of the friendship between Boman Irani, Amitabh Bachchan, and Anupam Kher's characters. It also stars Neena Gupta, Sarika, and Parineeti Chopra in lead roles. The film showcased Amitabh Bachchan, Boman Irani, Anupam Kher, and Danny Denzongpa planning and discussing the notion of summiting Mount Everest, but Danny dies of old age before they can reach a decision.

The rest of his friends decide to carry on his wish and to immerse Danny's character's ashes at Mount Everest. Parineeti is seen as a trainer in the movie as she trains them for their task and eventually, they make it possible with Neena and Sarika in the company. With the company of Neena and Sarika, they climb Mount Everest. The film marked the directorial comeback of Sooraj Barjatya after his 2015 family drama Prem Ratan Dhan Payo which starred Sonam Kapoor, and Anupam Kher in the lead roles.