Akshay Kumar's film Padman, which marked his wife Twinkle Khanna's debut as a producer, won the National Film Awards for best film on social issues

66th National Film Awards, held in New Delhi on Friday, honoured various films and artistes for their contribution to cinema. It introduced few categories like Best Film On Social Issues, Best Film on Environment Conservation and Nargis Dutt award Best Feature Film on National Integration.

Akshay Kumar starrer Padman, which also marked his wife and former actress Twinkle Khanna's debut in movie production, won Best Film On Social Issues at the National Film Awards 2019. The movie also starred Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte in lead roles.

Here's what Akshay Kumar's statement read:

I was in the midst of Mission Mangal promotions when Tina called me asking if it was true? If Pad Man had actually won a National Award for Best Film On Social Issues. All my tiredness of promotions vanished hearing this news. I remember it was on the sets of Pad Man only that Sonam and I got the news of winning our respective National Awards last year. So life has come a full circle and I couldn’t be happier for Tina for winning this with her debut production and of course R.Balki for putting it all together and the entire team behind Pad Man. Not just that, Chumbak, a Marathi film I presented, Swanand Kirkire won the National Award for Best Supporting Actor for that film. Over all, it’s been a rewarding day.