Ace filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who bagged the Best Direction Award for the magnum opus 'Bajirao Mastani' at the 63rd National Films Awards on Tuesday, says the honour is very important for him.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali

He also shared that the National Award is an acknowledgement from the government for the work done.

Asked how important this award was for him, Bhansali, dressed in black kurta and pajama, told IANS: It's very important. It's an acknowledgment from the government for your work."

The filmmaker called the win a "shaabashi" and a "pat on the back".

"It's a 'shabaashi' and a pat on the back to say that you have done work that matters to the nation," Bhansali added.

'Bajirao Mastani', a period drama film, features actors Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra.