Late actor Rajiv Kapoor's film Toolsidaas Junior wins two awards at the 68th National Film Awards

At the special ceremony honouring the winners of the 68th National Film Awards 2020 in Delhi, producers Ashutosh Gowariker, Sunita Gowariker, director Mridul Toolsidass, and child actor Varun Buddhadev received two awards for their film Toolsidas Junior - Best Hindi Film and Special Mention in Child Actor category for Varun Buddhadev.

On September 30th, a special event honouring the recipients took place in New Delhi.

After receiving the first National Award for his 2001 sports drama Lagaan, Ashutosh Gowariker received his second one. He expressed his joy and stated, "Toolsidas Junior has been my first production venture which offered a platform to a young new director, and this win feels like a validation to encourage more filmmakers to tell their stories. I am extremely grateful to Bhushan Kumar and to the entire team of the film to make it possible. Also, a big thank you to the Jury."

The film's producer, Sunita Gowariker, described the experience as overwhelming and expressed her satisfaction at having their work was recognised with the nation's highest honour.

Talking about the film, Mridul also added, “The feeling is beyond surreal! Toolsidas Junior is not only my first film, but also a reflection of my own childhood as the story is a tribute to my father and his journey. I hope I've made my father proud by honouring his love for snooker and the values he bestowed me with.”

He wished that his on-screen father Rajiv Kapoor was there with them today to witness this. He will always be thankful to Sunita and Ashutosh for having faith in him and his tale and for providing him with their vision and leadership along the way.

Produced under the banner of Ashutosh Gowariker Production Private Limited (AGPPL), the Gulshan Kumar & T-Series presentation Toolsidas Junior is produced by Ashutosh Gowariker & Sunita Gowariker, Bhushan Kumar, and Krishan Kumar, and is written & directed by Mridul Toolsidass.