The national awards are out..these awards are the most awaited awards in the film industry..I still remember being a part of it when in 1995,"mogha mull", got the INDIRA GANDHI LOTUS..It was avery proud and emotional moment for me. i had lost my father before the release of my first film,'MOGHA MULL', and the day award was announced i broke down.that was the day that i felt my dad's absence.SORRY,got a little nostalgic and emotional as well.The reason i spoke about this experience is because this award becomes something very special to everybody..Amitabh,Mohanlal,Kamal hassan.....the list is endless,all these people CHERISH this award as the most close to their heart.WHY?Well it seems that not only commercial cinema but a film with artistic value generally gets the award.This was true for a long time,Shyam benegal and the others ruled the award secenario but slowly things changed.Mainstream cinema started to get recognised and all the top actors wanted to be a part of this ceremony. When ever there is an award happening,LOBBYING,follows.Does this happen is a million dollar question and the answer to this is better,IF IT IS LEFT UNANSWERED..No guesses on this.This year's award looks very fair to me though...CONGRATS to all those wonderful artistes and technicians......You made us proud yet again.CHEERS..