Director Atlee photographed the reception of the award
New Delhi:
Jawan director Atlee received the ‘Director Of The Year’ award at the WhatsNew2Day Indian Of The Year 2024 awards ceremony in New Delhi on Saturday. Atlee received the award from Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Atlee was accompanied to the event by his wife Krishna Priya. Atlee wore a beige colored asymmetrical kurta at the event. Atlee initially planned to make a romantic film with Shah Rukh Khan. When asked why he worked with Shah Rukh Khan JawanAtlee said, “Shah Rukh Khan is a global icon. I wanted to activate his mass zone that he has kept for thirty years and wanted to convey a social message through him.”
Atlee also recalled his first meeting with Shah Rukh Khan way back in 2019 and how haters pushed him to achieve his dream. Atlee said, “I met Shah Rukh Khan in 2019. We went to watch an IPL match between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. As soon as the pictures went online, haters started commenting: Will he be able to do a film? with Shah Rukh Khan?” Atlee showed his award to the camera and said, “This is my answer.” He also said, “True dreams are dreams that make you sleepless.” View the photos here:
Atlee started his career at the age of 19 as an assistant director to director S. Shankar for the films Enthiran (2010) and Nanban (2012). Before Jawan, Atlee directed films like Raja Rani, Theri, Mersal, Bigil. FOR YOUR INFORMATION, Jawan starring Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi and Deepika Padukone. The film emerged as one of the biggest blockbusters in the history of Hindi cinema with a box office collection of Rs 1000 crores.
Talking about WhatsNew2Day Indian of the Year, Honorable Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was present as the Chief Guest along with other esteemed guests including Union Ministers Hardeep Puri, Ashwini Vaishnaw and Smriti Zubin Irani. The event featured some of the biggest names in entertainment, politics, business, sports and culture. This year the theme of the ceremony was “India – A Transformative Force”. The awards have consistently celebrated India’s heroes, famous or unsung, and recognized their extraordinary contribution to society