Actor and filmmaker Randeep Hooda received his first National Film Award — for Best Debut Director — at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, recognising his directorial debut with the biopic 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar'. The honour, presented by the President of India, marked a milestone in Hooda's 25-year cinematic journey.

A Family Moment on the National Stage

On Wednesday, 23 September 2026, Hooda shared photographs on social media posing with the National Award alongside his wife, actor Lin Laishram, and their daughter Nyomica. He said he arrived at the prestigious ceremony wearing two identities — that of a filmmaker and, perhaps more meaningfully to him, that of Nyomica's father.

'I wasn't just there as Randeep Hooda but as Nyomica's father and to share that moment with my family there made it even more special,' Hooda wrote. 'With this great pat on the back, I feel so encouraged to do so much more.'

What Hooda Said About the Award

In a heartfelt post on the photo-sharing platform, Hooda reflected on his creative process and the significance of the recognition. 'When one is consumed by what one does, it becomes about doing your best from one moment to another. One is distant from the rewards besides the joy of being blessed to be able to do what consumes you. Then another moment arrives that makes you look back at what you have done. It was that moment as I stood waiting to walk up on stage to receive The National Award,' he wrote.

He was careful to share the credit: 'This was not for me but for the team of many who worked tirelessly to bring this movie alive. It was also for the audience who have loved and supported my work for the past 25 years.'

The Film and the Personal Journey

'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar' is a biopic in which Hooda also played the lead role, adding to the film's singular character — a passion project he both directed and headlined. The film earned widespread appreciation for its portrayal of independence-era figure Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

Hooda and Laishram were married on 29 November 2023 in Imphal, Manipur. The couple welcomed their daughter Nyomica on 10 March 2026, making this National Award ceremony among the first major public events the young family attended together.

What Comes Next

With his directorial debut now nationally recognised, Hooda's remarks suggest further filmmaking ambitions. Whether his next project revisits the historical-biographical genre or ventures elsewhere remains to be seen, but the award signals a credible second act for an actor already well-established on screen.