Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda experienced one of the most memorable moments of his career on September 22, 2026, when he received his first National Film Award. After nearly 25 years in the film industry, the actor-director was honoured for his debut as a filmmaker with Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.

Randeep not only played the lead role in the biographical drama but also directed the film. After receiving the honour from President Droupadi Murmu, the actor became visibly emotional and went straight to his family. He hugged his wife Lin Laishram and later shared an emotional moment with his father, Dr. Ranbir Singh Hooda.

The heartfelt family moments from the ceremony quickly became a talking point among fans and film enthusiasts.

Randeep Hooda Gets Emotional at the National Film Awards

The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony was held on September 22 in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat. The event was particularly notable as the National Film Awards ceremony was held outside Delhi for the first time.

For Randeep, the honour marked an important milestone in his career. After spending nearly two-and-a-half decades primarily as an actor, he ventured into filmmaking with Swatantrya Veer Savarkar and received national recognition for his directorial debut.

While accepting the award, Randeep spoke about the significance of the moment and his long journey in cinema. The recognition came after years of work across a wide range of challenging roles and marked a new chapter in his career.

Actor Hugs Wife Lin Laishram and Father

One of the most touching moments of the evening came after Randeep received his award. The actor walked towards his family and warmly embraced his wife, Lin Laishram. He also hugged his father, Dr. Ranbir Singh Hooda, creating an emotional family moment.

The scene reflected the personal significance of the achievement for Randeep and his loved ones. His journey in Bollywood has included several demanding performances, and his National Film Award now adds a major achievement to his work as a director.

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Key Facts About Randeep Hooda's National Film Award

  • Career: Nearly 25 years in the film industry
  • National Award: First National Film Award for Randeep Hooda
  • Award Category: Best Debut Film of a Director
  • Film: Swatantrya Veer Savarkar
  • Release Date: March 22, 2024
  • Director: Randeep Hooda
  • Lead Role: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
  • Ceremony: 72nd National Film Awards
  • Venue: Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat
  • Presented By: President Droupadi Murmu

From Acting to Direction: Randeep Hooda's Journey

Randeep Hooda has built a reputation for taking on diverse and demanding characters throughout his acting career. He made his film debut with Monsoon Wedding and subsequently appeared in movies such as D, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster, Jannat 2, Cocktail, Jism 2, Highway, Kick, Sultan, Sarbjit and Baaghi 2.

Among his notable performances, Sarbjit remains an important film in his career. Randeep has also attracted attention on several occasions for transforming his appearance and physique to suit challenging roles.

With Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, he took on an additional responsibility by stepping behind the camera as its director. The National Film Award has now added significant recognition to this new phase of his professional journey.

Randeep Hooda Profile
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Randeep Hooda Opens Up About His Future Plans

Following his National Film Award win, Randeep also spoke about his plans for the future. He revealed that he has two scripts ready and is looking at taking them forward into production.

While acting remains an important part of his career, filmmaking appears to have become another significant creative direction for the actor. His recognition for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar could further encourage him to explore more stories as a director.

Randeep Hooda Profile
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What Is Swatantrya Veer Savarkar About?

Swatantrya Veer Savarkar is a biographical drama based on the life and journey of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Randeep Hooda played the central character and also directed the film.

The movie features Ankita Lokhande as Yamunabai Savarkar. It explores different stages of Savarkar's life and presents events connected to his political and social journey through a cinematic narrative.

The film was released in theatres on March 22, 2024, and was later made available for streaming on ZEE5.

Where to Watch Swatantrya Veer Savarkar

Viewers who have not watched Swatantrya Veer Savarkar can stream the film on ZEE5. According to the platform's listing, the movie has a runtime of around 2 hours and 50 minutes and is available in Hindi and Marathi.

Apart from Randeep Hooda and Ankita Lokhande, the cast includes actors such as Amit Sial and Rajesh Khera.

National Film Award Makes 2026 Special for Randeep Hooda

After spending nearly 25 years establishing himself as an actor, Randeep Hooda has now added another major milestone to his career with his recognition as a filmmaker.

His National Film Award for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar marks an important moment in his transition from acting to direction. The emotional scenes of Randeep embracing his wife Lin Laishram and father after receiving the honour made the occasion even more memorable.

With two scripts reportedly ready for production, audiences will now be watching to see what stories Randeep Hooda chooses to bring to the screen next.

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