Vijay Ganguly wins National Award for 'Aaj Ki Raat', thanks Tamannaah Bhatia
Synopsis
Vijay Ganguly's National Award for 'Aaj Ki Raat' is more than a choreography win — it is the culmination of a live-location gamble, a viral cultural moment driven by Tamannaah Bhatia, and a deeply personal milestone for a choreographer who dedicated the honour to his late father. Stree 2's biggest song now has the biggest honour in Indian cinema to match.
Key Takeaways
Vijay Ganguly won the National Film Award for Best Choreography for 'Aaj Ki Raat' from Stree 2 .
Ganguly credited Tamannaah Bhatia as 'the biggest part' of the song's journey, calling it 'a core memory.' He also thanked director Amar Kaushik for insisting on shooting at a live location 'against all odds.' His mother Rajani Ganguly attended the ceremony, reportedly 50 years after a previous family National Award moment.
Ganguly is the brother of actress Rupali Ganguly and has choreographed hit songs across films including Jagga Jasoos , Atrangi Re , and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 .
Choreographer Vijay Ganguly has won the National Film Award for Best Choreography for the song 'Aaj Ki Raat' from the blockbuster film Stree 2, and he is not holding back on the gratitude. In an emotional social media post on 23 September 2026, Ganguly called the moment 'unreal' and singled out actress Tamannaah Bhatia as the person who made it all possible.
An Emotional Acknowledgement
Ganguly shared a picture from the National Awards ceremony and wrote: 'This feeling is unreal! Have dreamt of this moment ever since I understood 5 senses!' He described the award as completing a trio for his late father, calling him his 'angel' who had made this moment happen. The post overflowed with gratitude for collaborators, family, and the entire creative team behind the song.
Addressing director Amar Kaushik, Ganguly wrote: 'for pushing to shoot the song in a live location and against all odds you made this happen! Will always be grateful.' He also thanked producer Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films for consistently placing his trust in him.
Tamannaah Bhatia: The Biggest Part of the Journey
Ganguly reserved special praise for Tamannaah Bhatia, who appeared in a special role in 'Aaj Ki Raat' and became inseparable from the song's viral identity. He wrote: 'You made this happen!! thank you for making 'aaj ki raat' where it has reached, this is a core memory and u are the biggest part of it!' The song had already made waves on digital platforms before the National Award stamp elevated its cultural standing further.
He also acknowledged choreography associate Abhishak Pai, crediting his 'persistence and patience' as the reason the song came together, especially during difficult moments in the production process.
A Family Milestone and a Team Effort
For Ganguly, the win carried deep personal resonance. His mother Rajani Ganguly attended the awards ceremony — reportedly 50 years after a previous family National Award moment — while his sister, actress Rupali Ganguly, was praised for 'always standing tall.' He also thanked stylist Nandini Kumar for keeping him composed and ensuring he looked his best on stage.
The broader team credited included cinematographer Jishnu Dop, location manager Mayur Sharma, and several dancers who Ganguly said performed 'magically' even in cold and difficult conditions. 'You made the song unique with the way you danced,' he wrote.
Ganguly's Career and Stree 2's Cultural Impact
Vijay Ganguly first rose to national attention with 'Galti Se Mistake' from Jagga Jasoos and has since choreographed songs for films including Atrangi Re, Jigra, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, and Dhurandhar. His National Award win cements his position among Bollywood's top choreographers.
Stree 2 was one of the year's most commercially dominant Hindi films, and 'Aaj Ki Raat' — with Tamannaah's electrifying screen presence — became its most-replayed sequence. With this recognition, the song's legacy moves from viral hit to officially honoured cinema.
Point of View
And the National Award validates that instinct. What stands out in Ganguly's acknowledgement is the emphasis on the live-location shoot as the creative turning point; that choice, reportedly resisted by the production pipeline, is now what the country's highest film honour is celebrating. The win also underscores how Stree 2's commercial dominance has translated into awards-circuit legitimacy — rare for a horror-comedy franchise. For Bollywood choreographers, long under-recognised by the formal awards structure, this moment carries weight beyond one individual.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What National Award did Vijay Ganguly win?
Vijay Ganguly won the National Film Award for Best Choreography for the song 'Aaj Ki Raat' from Stree 2. The award is the highest state honour in Indian cinema.
Why did Vijay Ganguly credit Tamannaah Bhatia for the win?
Ganguly wrote that Tamannaah Bhatia 'made it happen' and called her 'the biggest part' of where 'Aaj Ki Raat' reached in popular culture. Tamannaah appeared in a special role in the song, and her performance was widely seen as central to the track's viral success.
What made 'Aaj Ki Raat' stand out in Stree 2?
'Aaj Ki Raat' became the most replayed sequence in Stree 2, boosted by Tamannaah Bhatia's special appearance and Ganguly's choreography. It was shot at a live outdoor location — a creative call by director Amar Kaushik — which Ganguly credited as a key reason the song felt distinctive.
Who are Vijay Ganguly's other notable works?
Ganguly first gained wide recognition with 'Galti Se Mistake' from Jagga Jasoos and has since choreographed songs for Atrangi Re, Jigra, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, and Dhurandhar. He is also the brother of actress Rupali Ganguly.
Who are the key people Vijay Ganguly thanked for the award?
Ganguly thanked producer Dinesh Vijan and director Amar Kaushik from Maddock Films, choreography associate Abhishak Pai, actress Tamannaah Bhatia, cinematographer Jishnu Dop, and his own family — including his mother Rajani Ganguly and sister Rupali Ganguly.
