The 64th National Film Awards have been announced and our favourites from 2016 seem to have fared brilliantly. ‘Neerja’ has won the national award for the best Hindi film of 2016 and deservedly so. Based on Neerja Bhanot, the woman who single-handedly took on terrorists to save the lives of 359 passengers onboard the flight of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi, the film was a fitting tribute to the woman who sacrificed her life for others.

© Fox Star Studios

The heroic flight attendant who died fighting terrorists was all of 22, a girl with aspirations like most other girls. What set her apart was the decision she took, the decision to risk her life to save the lives of hundreds of others. Posthumously honoured with the Ashok Chakra, she was a role model for thousands of her fellow countrymen. The film ‘Neerja’ was a brilliantly made film, directed by Ram Madhvani, while Sonam Kapoor pulled off the role with much responsibility.

© NH Studios

While ‘Neerja’ won the best Hindi film national award, Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Pink’ bagged the national award for the Best Film On Social Issue. A very important film, ‘Pink’ made a powerful case for consent in a country where rapes are justified as little mistakes boys make.

© Walt Disney Studios

Zaira Wasim, the 16-year-old actress who plays Babita Phogat in ‘Dangal’, also won the national award for the best supporting actress. Winning a national award for your first film is a huge achievement and we’re sure the young girl is elated.