Actor Sanjay Mishra has won the National Award for Best Supporting Actor at the 72nd National Film Awards for his performance in the Netflix streaming film 'Bhakshak', calling the honour the pinnacle of appreciation any film artist in India can receive. The announcement has drawn wide attention to the actor's restrained yet deeply empathetic portrayal of the character Bhaskar in the socially relevant drama.

Sanjay Mishra on the Win

Reacting to the recognition, Mishra expressed that an actor's deepest aspiration is simply to keep receiving meaningful stories and characters. “As an actor, all you really hope for is to keep getting good stories and meaningful characters to play. And when that journey is recognised with an honour as prestigious as the National Film Awards, there can be no greater feeling for an actor,” he said.

He also extended his gratitude to the film's collaborators. “I am deeply grateful for this recognition. Bhakshak is a very important film, and I would like to sincerely thank Pulkit, Red Chillies Entertainment and Netflix for bringing this story to audiences with such honesty and courage. This recognition belongs to the entire team of 'Bhakshak',” Mishra added.

About 'Bhakshak' and the Role

'Bhakshak' was produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by Pulkit. The film was widely praised for its fearless storytelling and its unflinching examination of a pressing social issue. Mishra's performance as Bhaskar was singled out by critics for bringing nuance, depth, and quiet moral weight to the narrative — qualities that evidently resonated with the National Awards jury.

Significance of the 72nd National Film Awards

The 72nd National Film Awards are among the most prestigious honours in Indian cinema, conferred by the Government of India. A win in the Best Supporting Actor category places Mishra in the company of some of the most celebrated character actors in the country's film history. Notably, this recognition comes for a streaming film, underscoring the growing legitimacy of OTT platforms as a serious space for award-worthy cinema.

What This Means for Indian Streaming Cinema

The win is also a milestone for Netflix India and Red Chillies Entertainment, as it signals that films premiering on digital platforms are now fully competitive at India's highest state-conferred film honours. This comes amid a broader shift in how the National Awards jury evaluates content that bypasses theatrical release. Industry observers note that 'Bhakshak' joins a short but growing list of OTT-first productions to receive national recognition.