Salim Kumar, Salim Ahamed celebrate National Award win

Malayalam actor Salim Kumar's turn as an old man on a Haj pilgrimage in Adaminte Makan Abu has won him the National Award for Best Actor and he hopes that the honour will help break his 'comedian' mould.

The film, directed and produced by Salim Ahamed was also named the Best Feature Film at the 58th National Awards and the actor-director duo say that the movie is different from the stereotypical portrayal of the Muslim community.

"Being mostly seen as a comedian, I approached the role very seriously with lot of preparation. I even asked the director whether he was sure he wanted to cast me. But the director's response was that what he wanted was to make a good film. I am rewarded and I Thank God," the actor told PTI.

The actor said that the film was an artistic attempt to project the essential goodness and nobility in humans.

"The Muslim community is depicted in many films as extremists but this is a work that brings out the nobility of all human beings beyond the barriers of religious divides," he said.

The movie is director Salim Ahamed's first and the filmmaker was elated with the recognition.

The film tells the story of an elderly Muslim couple who wish to perform the Haj pilgrimage despite financial constraints. But it should not be dubbed as a mere "Muslim story", he said.

"My focus has been on basic human themes like yearning for love and care and the need to protect nature from further assault by a greedy few," he said.

"Now that it has received national award, I am very glad and share it with my friends and well-wishers," he said.