Vijay Ganguly wins National Award for 'Aaj Ki Raat'; Rupali Ganguly calls Tamannaah 'a star'

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Vijay Ganguly wins National Award for 'Aaj Ki Raat'; Rupali Ganguly calls Tamannaah 'a star'

Synopsis

The viral 'Aaj Ki Raat' hook step has earned its architect the country's highest film honour. Choreographer Vijay Ganguly's National Award win is a full-circle moment — his sister Rupali Ganguly revealed their mother had long predicted it — and a reminder that behind every cultural phenomenon is years of quiet, unrecognised grind.

Key Takeaways

Vijay Ganguly has won the National Film Award for Best Choreography for the song 'Aaj Ki Raat' from 'Stree 2' .
His sister, TV star Rupali Ganguly , shared an emotional tribute on social media, calling it a moment of immense family pride.
Rupali thanked actress Tamannaah Bhatia , calling her 'the star who made this song what it is.' Producer Dinesh Vijan , director Amar Kaushik , choreographer Abhishek Pai , and actor Rajkummar Rao were all acknowledged in Rupali's post. 'Aaj Ki Raat' became one of the most viral songs of the year, spawning widespread dance reel recreations on social media.
Vijay Ganguly's previous credits include 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' , 'Bhediya' , and 'JugJugg Jeeyo' .

Choreographer Vijay Ganguly has won the National Film Award for Best Choreography for the song 'Aaj Ki Raat' from the blockbuster film 'Stree 2', prompting his sister and television star Rupali Ganguly to pen a deeply emotional tribute on social media. Rupali also singled out actress Tamannaah Bhatia, calling her 'the star who made this song what it is.'

Rupali Ganguly's Emotional Tribute

Sharing a heartfelt post on her social media account, Rupali wrote: 'From being a National award winning director's daughter to being a National award winning choreographer's sister — I am the proudest.' She described the recognition as long overdue, recalling how their late mother had repeatedly predicted the win. 'Mummy kept saying you will win the National award for Aaj Ki Raat and she absolutely manifested it,' she wrote.

The actress went on to acknowledge the personal struggles behind the achievement. 'I have seen how you have struggled, how many times you have gone without, the setbacks and disappointments you have faced — but your smile has always been intact,' she added. She also invoked their father's guiding philosophy: 'Head firmly on your shoulders, Be honest and Humble, Value your work, Put in your best se bhi better effort.'

Gratitude to the 'Stree 2' Team

Rupali extended her thanks to producer Dinesh Vijan and production house Maddock Films, as well as director Amar Kaushik, for backing Vijay. She also acknowledged actor Rajkummar Rao for his consistent support and encouragement toward the choreographer.

Choreographer Abhishek Pai and the ensemble of dancers who performed in freezing conditions during the night shoot also received a special mention. 'To all the fabulous dancers in the song who shot in freezing peak winter night — thank you,' Rupali wrote.

Why 'Aaj Ki Raat' Became a Cultural Phenomenon

Featuring Tamannaah Bhatia in a glamorous avatar alongside Rajkummar Rao, 'Aaj Ki Raat' became one of the most viral songs of the year upon its release. Its hook step triggered countless dance reels and celebrity recreations across social media platforms, cementing the track's status well beyond the film's theatrical run.

Notably, 'Stree 2' itself was one of the biggest commercial successes of its release year, giving the song an enormous platform from which to break into mainstream culture.

Vijay Ganguly's Career in Bollywood

Over the years, Vijay Ganguly has built a substantial body of work in Hindi cinema. His choreography credits include popular films such as 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani', 'Bhediya', 'JugJugg Jeeyo', and 'Govinda Naam Mera', among several other successful projects. The National Award marks the most prestigious recognition of his career to date.

With the award now confirmed, all eyes will be on what Vijay Ganguly brings to the screen next — and whether 'Aaj Ki Raat' sets a new benchmark for choreography-led viral moments in Indian cinema.

Point of View

Not just a marketing outcome. Vijay Ganguly's win arrives after years of mid-tier Bollywood projects where his work was visible but undecorated; the industry tends to celebrate choreographers only when they attach themselves to a franchise-scale hit. Rupali Ganguly's tribute, while deeply personal, also surfaces a structural truth: behind the reel-friendly hook step was a night shoot in freezing conditions and a career built on repeated setbacks. That story rarely makes headlines until a national jury forces it to.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What award did Vijay Ganguly win and for which song?
Vijay Ganguly won the National Film Award for Best Choreography for the song 'Aaj Ki Raat' from the film 'Stree 2'. The award was announced a few days before 20 July.
How did Rupali Ganguly react to her brother's National Award win?
Rupali Ganguly shared an emotional post on social media, describing herself as 'the proudest' and recalling their mother's long-held belief that Vijay would win for 'Aaj Ki Raat'. She also paid tribute to his years of struggle and the family values instilled by their father.
Why did 'Aaj Ki Raat' become so popular?
'Aaj Ki Raat', featuring Tamannaah Bhatia and Rajkummar Rao, became a viral sensation after its release, with its hook step inspiring a wave of dance reels and celebrity recreations on social media. It was one of the standout tracks from the commercially successful film 'Stree 2'.
Who else did Rupali Ganguly thank in her post?
Rupali thanked producer Dinesh Vijan and Maddock Films, director Amar Kaushik, actor Rajkummar Rao, choreographer Abhishek Pai, and the dancers who performed in the song under difficult conditions, in addition to Tamannaah Bhatia.
What are some of Vijay Ganguly's other notable Bollywood works?
Vijay Ganguly has choreographed songs for several successful Hindi films including 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani', 'Bhediya', 'JugJugg Jeeyo', and 'Govinda Naam Mera'. The National Award for 'Aaj Ki Raat' is the most prestigious recognition of his career.
Nation Press
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