Filmmaker and music director Vishal Bharadwaj on Friday expressed gratitude on winning his ninth National Award. In an exclusive interview with IndiaToday.in, he spoke about receiving the Best Music Direction honour for his short film “Fursat” at the 70th National Film Awards.

An excited Bhardwaj said he was privileged to receive a National Award for the ninth time in his career. He said it motivates him to work even harder and eventually aim for a 10th win. “I am extremely happy to receive my 9th National Award. It is the biggest award in our country. The only award that really matters. And winning it is the biggest recognition of my work! Thanks to the jury for this. Now I have to strive for double digits,” he said.

Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, ‘Fursat’ featured Ishaan Khatter, Vamika Gabbi and Salman Yusuf Khan in the lead roles. The short film was shot entirely on an iPhone and was released on YouTube. The film had five songs, which were composed by Bhardwaj himself and lyrics were written by his collaborator Gulzar. The songs were named ‘Kal Kahin’, ‘Kal Kahin’ (Reprise), ‘Kudiyaan’, ‘Lalkar’ and ‘Waqt Waqt’.

Check out the list of Vishal Bhardwaj’s National Awards:

1. National Film Award for Best Music Direction: Godmother
2. National Film Award for Best Children’s Film: The Blue Umbrella
3. National Film Award – Special Jury Award: Omkara
4. National Film Award for Best Music Direction: Ishqiya
5. National Film Award for Best Music Direction: Haider
6. National Film Award for Best Screenplay: Haider
7. National Film Award for Best Screenplay: Talvar
8. National Film Award for Best Music Direction: 1232 KMS

Earlier, Bhardwaj had also won the Best Original Design award for ‘Fursat’ at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.