Gauri Shinde, Bhanu Athaiya shine at Laadli awards

Mumbai, Feb 5 (IANS) Filmmaker Gauri Shinde received the Laadli Award for the best mainline Hindi film for her directorial debut "English Vinglish", while Oscar winning costume designer Bhanu Athaiya got honoured for her lifetime achievement.

Shinde says she will keep making films that showcase emotions which both men and women can relate to.

"I am very happy to have received the award. I feel it is a big honour. I did not expect to win it," she told IANS at the ceremony held here Tuesday at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA).

"I didn't make 'English Vinglish' keeping in mind women centric issues. I will keep making films which showcase emotions which both men and women can relate to," she added.

This was the fourth edition of the Laadli National Media Awards. The objective of the awards is to felicitate media, journalists and advertising professionals who have made a difference in gender sensitive issues through their work.

Talking about making films on gender specific issues, Shinde said: "Films are basically to entertain the audiences. While entertaining if they are able to say something, then why not."

Her "English Vinglish" probed the dilemma of a housewife, brilliantly portrayed by Sridevi, who is not fluent in English and how she gets rid of the handicap and surprises everyone.

The filmmaker admits films can't directly help such causes.

"I don't know if films can directly help such causes, but even if a film makes a difference and a few people get effected, then it is an achievement," she said.

Athaiya was honoured at the event with the Laadli Lifetime Achievement Award.

A delighted Athaiya told IANS: "I am so happy I am getting this award. I am glad it happened." Click the Movie button below for more info:
English Vinglish