New Delhi: Filmmaker Atul Pandey has been awarded the Best Arts/Culture Film Award at the 72nd National Film Awards for Main Nida, his directorial debut documentary on the life and legacy of celebrated poet and lyricist Padma Shri Nida Fazli. Pandey received the prestigious award from the Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at the National Film Awards ceremony held in Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat.
He holds a rare distinction in Indian cinema as both his film producing debut, Summer 2007 (a feature film highlighting farmer suicides), and his directorial debut, Main Nida, earned official selections for the Indian Panorama at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 2008 and 2024, respectively.
The National Film Award is a significant milestone in his filmmaking journey, that has been shaped by a deep fascination and interest in people, languages, their stories and the contemporary culture that influences them. With Main Nida, he turns that lens towards one of India’s most distinctive literary voices, going beyond Nida Fazli’s celebrated poetry and film lyrics to uncover the man behind the words.
At the heart of the film is the cultural landscape that influenced Nida Fazli. The documentary traces Nida Fazli’s personal journey through archival material, personal memories and recollections from those who knew him closely. The documentary also features singer Shaan, whose father, Manas Mukherjee, was a close friend of Nida Fazli, sharing personal memories of the poet and his relationship with the music fraternity.
Speaking after receiving the honour, Atul Pandey, Director, said, “It is an extremely emotional and humbling moment to be honoured with the National Award for celebrating Nida Sahab. The making of Main Nida has been a journey of discovery about multiple facets of his life. His poetry and lyrics have touched generations, but there was so much more to the man including, his experiences, relationships, individual conflict, and philosophy. It has been a privilege to bring these stories to the screen. This recognition revels the film, and also is a tribute to Nida Fazli and his extraordinary contribution to our country’s literary and cultural heritage.”
Through Main Nida, Pandey brings together intimate recollections and personal narratives to create a portrait that extends beyond the familiar image of Nida Fazli as a poet and lyricist. The National Award places renewed attention on both Pandey’s filmmaking and the enduring cultural legacy of a writer whose words have travelled across generations.
