Aamir's Dangal wins Best Asian Film award at AACTA; Russell Crowe goes gaga over it
Melbourne: 'Dangal' was unanimously chosen the Best Asian Film at the seventh Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards.
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi, who served as one of the jury members on the panel, led by Hollywood star Russell Crowe, for this year's inaugural category, took to Twitter to laud the film's team.
"'Dangal' wins Best Asian Film at AACTA. Congratulations Team Dangal. With Russel Crowe chairman of the jury. It was a unanimous decision," wrote Azmi, alongside a selfie with the Oscar-winning actor.
DANGAL wins Best Asian Film at AACTA. Congratulations Team Dangal. With Russel Crowe Chairman of the jury. It was a unanimous decision ðŸ‘👠pic.twitter.com/xXfixEgT0R
— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) December 6, 2017
Even Russell Crowe tweeted about it.
A huge task being the Grand Jury President for the inaugural @AACTA Asian film award. 9 amazing nominees. Such an honour to be on the stage tonight announcing the Indian film #Dangal as the winner . A beautiful & empowering film, see it !!
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) December 6, 2017
#Dangal . See it . You’ll know why . https://t.co/C7uaymfiS1
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) December 6, 2017
The Nitesh Kumar-directed sports drama was based on the life of Haryana wrestler Mahavir Phogat and his daughters. The film starred Aamir Khan as Phogat with Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra playing the adult version of professional wrestlers Geeta and Babita.
Zaira Wasim and Suhani Bhatnagar portrayed the younger versions of the Phogat sisters with Sakshi Tanwar as their mother.
Besides 'Dangal', 'Pink' and Marathi film 'Kasav: Turtle' were among the nine films which were nominated for the inaugural AACTA Best Asian Film award.
Actor Anupam Kher also served as a jury member on the panel.
The AACTA Awards ceremony took place in Sydney.
