Hyderabad's directors on what it felt like receiving National Award

Telugu cinema can dream big now: Krish

“For an industry that is considered relatively small compared to Bollywood, Kanche has gone far. Today thanks to Rajamouli’s Baahubali, Telugu cinema can dream big. I dared to dream with Kanche. I am daring to dream even bigger, much bigger for my next film. I had never worked on a film with such a budget (for Kanche) before. As I received the National Award I felt happy that the barriers between Bollywood and regional cinema are dissolving. I also received a cash prize which I’ve donated to the Indo-American cancer society.”
The director also Tweeted: “I'm donating d Natl Awrd prize money to Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hosp which treated my mother & many with utmost care n excellence (sic)”.
— Krish (won the best Telugu film, for Kanche)

‘Want to guard my humility: Neeraj
“It’s an incredible honour to receive the award from the President of India. After the Cannes win, the National Award feels great. Alongside extreme gratitude for what all has happened to me so far in my film career, I want to guard my humility and honesty.
“As I walked up to get the National Award from the President, I felt happiness, contentment and a feeling of great pride in being Indian.”

— Neeraj Ghaywan (won the best debut director, for Masaan)