National awards for 'Lage Raho...' surprises producer, director

New Delhi, June 12 (IANS) Bollywood blockbuster 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai', based on Mahatma Gandhi's ideology, hit the jackpot by winning four national awards, surprising its producer and director no end.

The film starring Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Vidya Balan and Boman Irani has won the best screenplay, lyricist, supporting actor and popular film providing wholesome entertainment awards.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the producer of the movie, said: 'It is a wonderful surprise. What makes me happy is that it is a great inspiration for newcomers and fresh people who have a fire in their belly to make a mark in the industry.'

Abhijat Joshi wrote the screenplay and Swanand Kirkire penned the lyrics for popular number 'Bande mein tha dum'.

'Abhijat and Swanand's work getting acknowledged makes director Rajkumar Hirani and me very proud," added Chopra.

Released in 2006, the film was a sequel to the hugely popular 'Munnabhai M.B.B.S.' that hit theatres in 2003.

'I am happy that a film based on the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi has won the award for wholesome entertainment. It is a big achievement for me and my team,' said Hirani.

Swanand says that even though he has won the award, the film was a collaborative and collective piece of work.

'I am grateful to Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani and Shantanu Moitra (music director) for bringing out the best in me and for creating the atmosphere where one can strive for excellence,' he said.