Randeep Hooda Wins Debut Director National Award for Savarkar Film

Randeep Hooda has been honoured with the Debut Director National Award for his 2024 film 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar'. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award at the National Film Awards ceremony held in Kevadia, Gujarat.

Speaking after the recognition, Hooda described the moment as overwhelming, noting that it arrived after 25 years of work as an actor. He said that while he had always received affection from audiences, formal award recognition had largely eluded him, making the honour as a director particularly special.

He observed that National Awards carry a distinct weight because they are conferred by the President of India, and likened the recognition to a "good pat on the back". Hooda added that the award would encourage him to do more, both as a director and as an actor, describing acting as his first love while admitting that direction can make a person "feel like God".

Reflecting on his shift behind the camera, Hooda recalled that he had vowed never to direct again after finishing his first film, calling the process tough and demanding a move from team player to team captain. He said the experience proved addictive, however, and confirmed he will continue to direct alongside acting. He has written two scripts and hopes to bring them into production when the time is right.

Hooda also credited his daughter, born this year, with bringing him good fortune, describing her birth and the award as his two big rewards for 2026.

'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar' portrays the life of freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The film also features Ankita Lokhande and Amit Sial. Savarkar, born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur, was sentenced to two consecutive life terms totalling 50 years in the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1911 for resisting British policies. He died on February 26, 1966.

On the acting front, Hooda was recently seen in the series 'Inspector Avinash' and in the 2025 film 'Jaat' alongside Sunny Deol. He will next appear in 'Eetha', which stars Shraddha Kapoor in the lead role.