Priyanka, Kangna pull Bhandarkar to Delhi

Madhur Bhandarkar may not have won yet another award for Best Director at the recently held National Awards. However, his leading ladies ensured that he didn't miss out the moment of reckoning. Both Priyanka Chopra and Kangna Ranaut, who have won National Awards for themselves after their stellar act in Fashion, pulled along Madhur Bhandarkar to New Delhi where the ceremony was held on Friday.

Informs a source close to the filmmaker, "For both Priyanka and Kangna, this was recognition at the highest level and they understand that the world will look at them far more differently from this point on. As actors they have seen tremendous growth ever since they started their career a few years back. However, Fashion showed them in a different light altogether and ever since the 2008 release of the film, they haven't thanked Madhur less for the kind of performance that he extracted out of them."

In the past there have been instances of leading men and ladies walking out of their professional relationship with their directors even after delivering a major blockbuster.

"However, Priyanka and Kangna are different", continues the source, "They know how to stand by the man who has been known for redefining the image of so many of his actors in the last decade. No wonder, all of them are still in touch and this is the reason why when the date was announced for the National Awards ceremony, they urged Madhur Bhandarkar to come along."

Initially, Bhandarkar was a bit taken aback since he wasn't sure about travelling to New Delhi for the event. However, once Priyanka and Kangna urged him to be with them and share their proud moment, he couldn't say no.

Since the National Awards are not one of those filmy events where winners get to thank their parents, film makers, co-stars, neighbours and everyone else that they can remember, there were no starry speeches from Priyanka and Kangna. However, once the event was through, they came over to Madhur, gave him a warm hug and acknowledged him for the team effort he managed from one and all associated with 'Fashion'.

Confirms Madhur, "Yes, it was nice of Priyanka and Kangna to call me for the event. They are very dear to me and there was no reason why I should have said no. Though it was a very short trip to New Delhi, I did eventually make it on time and had some good time. It was nice to share some laughs with both the girls; I really hope (and am sure) that there many more award winning acts on the anvil for both of them."