Ajay is elated that he has won the national award this year

Actor Ajay Devgn has won the Best Actor Award at 68th National Film Awards for Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. The winners were announced on Friday at a press conference in New Delhi - Jyothi Venkatesh

Ajay shared the honour with Suriya who won for Soorarai Pottri. Expressing gratitude on winning his third National Award for Best Actor, Ajay Devgn said, “I’m elated to win the Best Actor Award for Tanhaji—The Unsung Warrior at the 68th National Awards along with Suriya who won for Soorarai Pottru.

I thank everyone, most of all my creative team, the audience and my fans. I also express my gratitude to my parents and the almighty for their blessings. Congratulations to all the other winners.”

Ajay has previously won the National Award for best actor twice – for Zakhm in 1998 and for The Legend of Bhagat Singh in 2002. In a statement, the actor said, The actor thanked his team and the audience, as well as his family.

“I thank everyone, most of all my creative team, the audience and my fans. I also express my gratitude to my parents and the Almighty for their blessings. Congratulations to all the other winners,” he said.

Tanhaji also won the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Costume Design awards. Ajay, who also co-produced the movie, said, “As the producer of Tanhaji—The Unsung Warrior, it gives me immense joy to receive an honour at the 68th National Film Awards for the Best film that has provided wholesome entertainment.

Tanhaji was exactly that. It is a good story of friendship, loyalty, family values and sacrifice. It has strong national sentiments, super VFX and a holistic approach in entertainment.”

The actor added, “I must share the honour with my director Om Raut, my co-producers, T-Series and my co-actors. Most of all, I thank my creative team who has contributed handsomely to making this a blockbuster and now a National Award winner.”

Om Raut directorial Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior starred Ajay Devgn in the titular role of Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare. The period film followed the life of Tanhaji and his attempts to recapture the Kondana fortress from Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

The costume drama also starred Saif Ali Khan, Sharad Kelkar, Ajinkya Deo and Kajol. Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior released in theatres two years ago on January 10, 2020, when cinema halls reopened after the first wave of Covid-19. It was later released on the OTT platform Disney Plus Hotstar.

Ajay also responded to Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior winning the best popular film award, earning him his National Award as a producer. “As the producer of Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, it gives me immense joy to receive an honour at the 68th National Film Awards for the best film that has provided wholesome entertainment.

Tanhaji was exactly that. It is a good story of friendship, loyalty, family values and sacrifice. It has strong national sentiments, super VFX and a holistic approach in entertainment. I must share the honour with my director Om Raut, my co-producers, T-Series and my co-actors. Most of all, I thank my creative team who has contributed handsomely to making this a blockbuster and now a National Award winner.”

Tanhaji, which also starred Saif Ali Khan and Kajol, was directed by Om Raut and was based on the life and exploits of Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare, who was a commander in the army of Emperor Shivaji. The film was a box office success, earning ₹368 crore.