Subhash Ghai celebrates 'Iqbal' at 20: National Award film still a pride
Synopsis
Twenty years on, Subhash Ghai is still proud of Iqbal — and he wants you to know it. The zero-star-cast, low-budget cricket drama that won two National Awards in 2005 is being held up by Ghai as the template for Mukta Arts' next production, Manyaa. It is a rare public declaration in Bollywood that legacy, not spectacle, drives the banner.
Key Takeaways
Subhash Ghai publicly celebrated his production Iqbal on 27 August , calling it a film he will 'always be proud of.' Iqbal (2005), directed by Nagesh Kukunoor , starred Shreyas Talpade and Naseeruddin Shah in lead roles.
The film won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues (2005); Naseeruddin Shah won Best Supporting Actor .
Ghai described it as a 'non starcast low budget film with great story' that became a 'classic hit.' Mukta Arts is currently in production on a new film titled Manyaa , inspired by the same content-driven philosophy.
Filmmaker Subhash Ghai on Wednesday, 27 August revisited his production Iqbal, calling the 2005 cricket-themed sports drama one of the most cherished films of his career. Sharing the film's poster on his social media account, Ghai paid tribute to the team behind what he described as a 'classic hit' made without a star cast and on a modest budget.
What Ghai Said
In his post, Ghai wrote: 'IQBAL - A film produced by Mukta Arts I will always be proud of. A non starcast low budget film with great story became a classic HIT n won national award 2005. N My congratulations to #shreyas Talpade #nagesh Kuknoor #rahul puri for this memorable film.'
He also teased an upcoming production under the Mukta Arts banner, titled Manyaa, saying the banner continues its 'passion to make such films.'
About the Film
Iqbal, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor — known earlier for Hyderabad Blues — starred Shreyas Talpade in the titular role alongside Naseeruddin Shah, Girish Karnad, and Shweta Basu Prasad. The film followed a hearing-impaired young man from a small village who dreams of representing India in cricket, navigating social and personal obstacles along the way.
Produced by Ghai under Mukta Arts, the film was notable for its content-first approach at a time when big-budget star vehicles dominated Hindi cinema.
National Award Recognition
The film won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues for the year 2005. Naseeruddin Shah received the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance, while Shreyas Talpade's portrayal of Iqbal is widely regarded as one of the defining roles of his career.
What Comes Next from Mukta Arts
Ghai signalled that the ethos behind Iqbal continues to drive Mukta Arts. The banner is currently in production on a new film titled Manyaa, though further details have not yet been disclosed. The announcement has generated curiosity among followers of content-driven Hindi cinema.
This comes amid a broader revival of interest in mid-budget, story-led Bollywood films, a trend underscored by several sleeper hits in recent years. Ghai's public tribute to Iqbal appears to be as much a statement of intent for Mukta Arts' future as it is a look back at a celebrated past.
Point of View
Story-led films, invoking a two-National-Award winner from 2005 is a calculated reminder of what Mukta Arts once stood for. The Manyaa teaser tucked into the same post is the real news: Ghai is signalling a return to form, not just celebrating the past. Whether Mukta Arts can replicate Iqbal's cultural resonance in today's fragmented streaming landscape is the question the industry will be watching.
NationPress
27 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the film Iqbal and why is Subhash Ghai proud of it?
Iqbal is a 2005 Hindi sports drama directed by Nagesh Kukunoor and produced by Subhash Ghai under Mukta Arts. It starred Shreyas Talpade as a hearing-impaired cricketer and won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues, making it one of the most acclaimed low-budget films of its era.
Who starred in Iqbal and what awards did it win?
The film starred Shreyas Talpade in the lead role alongside Naseeruddin Shah, Girish Karnad, and Shweta Basu Prasad. It won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues (2005), and Naseeruddin Shah won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance.
What is Mukta Arts' new film Manyaa?
Manyaa is an upcoming film currently in production under Subhash Ghai's Mukta Arts banner. Ghai has described it as continuing the same content-driven, story-first philosophy that defined Iqbal, though further details about the cast or release have not yet been announced.
Who directed Iqbal and what other films is he known for?
Iqbal was directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, who had previously made Hyderabad Blues. The film is considered one of his most celebrated works and a landmark in Indian sports cinema.
Why does Iqbal remain significant in Bollywood?
Iqbal is significant because it demonstrated that a film with no major stars and a modest budget could win national recognition and connect with audiences. Shreyas Talpade's performance became one of the defining roles of his career, and the film is frequently cited as a benchmark for content-driven Hindi cinema.
