Akshay Kumar could not have asked for a better wedding anniversary gift today than the three awards that Chumbak, his first Marathi film as a presenter, won at the prestigious 17th Pune International Film Festival. The 2018 slice of life drama that was directed by Sandeep Modi and produced by Cape of Good Films and Naren Kumar got the Best Film Award in the Marathi Cinema Competition category and also the Best Actor Award for Swanand Kirkire and Best Screenplay Award.
The Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) was started in 2002 to build a healthy film culture in Pune and promote it by giving film lovers in the Deccan City access to global cinema and to encourage cultural exchange. It is now recognized as a Government of Maharashtra festival and is the only cinema platform that gives international recognition to Marathi cinema. PIFF has an acclaimed international jury that decides awards for films in its various competitive sections.
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Chumbak's Award at PIFF[/caption]
Of the triple honour for Chumbak, Akshay told PeepingMoon.com, “I found the film simple and pure and decided to make my Marathi cinema debut by presenting it. I also recognise great acting when I see it and that is what I saw in Swanand Kirkire. I am so glad he proved me right by winning the Best Actor Award for Chumbak. For the film to win three important awards at the esteemed PIFF (and coming on my wedding anniversary!) makes me so happy. But what makes me proudest is seeing my mother Aruna Bhatia’s name as the producer of this award-winning Best Film!”
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Swanand Kirkire and Akshay Kumar[/caption]
Swanand Kirkire, the renowned Bollywood lyricist, playback singer, writer, assistant director, actor and dialogue writer, who has won the National Award twice, made his Marathi film acting debut with Chumbak. The talented artiste was travelling when news of the PIFF Awards came. But speaking exclusively to PeepingMoon.com, Swanand said, “I am overwhelmed to get this award. My first as an actor. I never thought I would. I’ve always got awards for writing. It’s really a pleasant surprise. And I want to thank the Marathi audiences, the jury, my director Sandeep Modi, producer Naren Kumar and above all Akshay Kumar who wholeheartedly and so lovingly supported Chumbak like it was his own baby!”
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