Actor-Producer Arabaaz Khan, who is elated after his debut production Dabangg won the National Award for the best popular film providing wholesome entertainment, feels that the laurels have a sense of responsibility.

"I am extremely proud and happy to receive a national award for my debut film. This is something I had never planned or expected. This award is one notch up. I am enjoying these accolades," Arbaaz told PTI.

Directed by Abhinav Kashyap, Dabangg, an romantic-action film starring Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha went on to become a mega hit after an overwhelming response at the box office and packed cinema halls with single screens reporting 100 percent occupancy.

When asked whether so many awards add pressure for Dabangg 2, Arbaaz said, "I don't take it as a pressure... I believe it is a responsibility. I would do the film with the same amount of love, hard work and dedication. I hope that the audience would like the sequel."

"My intention towards a film is to always make a movie that appeals to the audience," he said. After Abhinav opted out of the sequel, Arbaaz confirmed that he will direct Dabangg 2. Rekha Bhardwaj, who won the National Award for Best Female Playback Singer for Ishqiya, feels fortunate enough to win the award. She has sung two songs in the film - Badi Dheere Jali and Ab Mujhe Koi.

"I am really excited and feel fortunate... I am proud to win a National award. I rehearse classical music for two-three hours more... With this it feels classical music has proven that it is not dying away," Rekha, wife of director Vishal Bhardwaj told PTI.

Vishal's rural drama Ishqiya won four National Awards - including awards for best music for the director and best female playback singer. There were two technical awards for the film. While Kamod Karade won best audiography location, sound recordist Debajit Changmai was named best re-recordist of the final mixed track.

Ramesh More's Marathi film 'Champions', which tackles social menace of child labour and the need for education of street children film won the best film highlighting social issues. It had earlier received the Special Jury Mention at Pune International Film Festival earlier this year.

Talking to PTI, director More said the government's decision to ban child labour is welcome. But, the fact is several families are dependent on the income of these child labourers.

"We have not given an option to child labour. Many child labourers study and are eager to continue their education. The society needs to consider their aspirations," More said. He said the film will release in theatres on November 14. Child actors from the movie Shantanu Ragnekar and Machindra Gadkar also won the best child actor national award.

More said winning the country's top honours was a matter of pride. Mitalee Jagtap Varadkar, who shares the best actress award with Tamil counterpart Saranya Ponvannan, said winning the award for her comeback film after seven years 'Baboo Band Baaja' was pleasantly shocking.

"I have been nominated several times at the state level, but the award always eluded me. But, this time, I was nominated and won an award at the national level. So I am very happy," Mitalee said. On the film, the actress said the role was about a mother who strives to realise through her son her dreams of a better future.

The film is high on humour but draws you emotionally with the mother-child relationship, she added. Mitalee said being the mother of a four-year-old in real life, she had no qualms about playing mother on screen.