The biggest recognition in the country's cinema is the National Film Award, which was announced this past Thursday for films of 2016. The winners are being showered with congratulations from their colleagues, friends, family and fans alike. A number of recipients of the 2016 National Film Awards shared their feelings with The Daily Star.

Babita (Lifetime Achievement)

Acting is all I have done throughout my life. I am really humbled to know that I will add a lifetime achievement award to my previous national awards. It is a major accomplishment in any artiste's life. Aside from the people's love, being recognized by the state gives meaning to the work of an artiste.

Faruk (Lifetime Achievement)

Film is everything in my life. It is how people know me and love me. I have been acting for many years, and I feel I have been denied my due honours many times. Now the gazette has been published, and I will be honoured. I will go to receive the award.

Tauquir Ahmed (Best Story, “Oggatonama”)

It is always a nice feeling to have your work recognized, and this is no different. When it is a national recognition it becomes a little more special. However, I wish we did not have to wait till 2018 for the awards of 2016 films. Why can this not be given within two months? Many big film festivals give awards within 10-20 days, so why are we falling behind? Overall, everyone liked “Oggatonama”, and I am very satisfied as a director.

Fazlur Rahman Babu (Best Actor in a Supporting Role, “Meyeti Ekhon Kothaye Jabe”)

Every Award is special. I am grateful to director Nader Chowdhury and others for the film that I won the award for. But I am a little disappointed that I did not win for “Oggatonama”. It has won Best Film and Best Story. We the actors take the story forward. I played the central role in the film, and I feel like I deserved the recognition. Anyway, every award inspires the artiste to do better. I want to work with that commitment all my life.

Chanchal Chowdhury (Best Actor, “Aynabaji”)

I had won my first national award for “Monpura”, and the second one comes for “Aynabaji”. All my love to the director, cast and crew of “Aynabaji”, for a film that hundreds of thousands of people have seen. I don't work for awards, but it is certainly feels good. Ever since the award was announced, my son Shuddho keeps asking me whether he can go with me to the ceremony, and watch me take the award from the prime minister. His excitement makes me happier than anything.

Tisha (Best Actress, “Ostitto”)

This is my first national award, and the first time is definitely very special. Every artiste dreams of getting such high recognition, and it came true for me. The love of everyone who worked on “Ostitto” is a part of this award. I have been working with the love of my family, and I want to continue doing so. This award has increased my responsibility to my craft.