Shoojit Sircar after National Award: want 'Pink' to reach larger audience

Shoojit Sircar, whose production 'Pink' was named the Best Film on Social Issues at the 64th National Film Awards were announced on Friday, says he dedicates the honor to taking the film and its message to a larger audience.

Sircar said in a statement: 'I would like to thank the National Film Awards jury for bestowing one of the most respectable laurels on us, and I feel more responsible now to persevere ahead with the film and its cause.

'I will not celebrate this award in the usual manner, but will dedicate to taking 'Pink' to larger audiences.' The Amitabh Bachchan starrer raked up a discussion on crimes against women.

Directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, the courtroom drama is a contemporary youth-centric film with a strong socially relevant message about the choices young women of today make and about respecting those.

The film -- also starring Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari, Angad Bedi, Andrea Tariang, Piyush Mishra and Dhritiman Chatterjee -- stressed upon the message about a woman's decision being respected even if it's a 'no'.

Thanking the team, Sircar said: 'I would like to humbly thank my entire team for this huge honor. 'Pink' would not have been possible with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and his support.

'I would like to also thank my friend and Producer Ronnie Lahiri, Director Aniruddha (Roy Chowdhury), my writer Ritesh Shah, my lovely cast and crew for coming together with me.'