Alia deserves a national award for 'Udta Punjab', says Shahid Kapoor

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor feels his co-star Alia Bhatt should win a national award for her performance in Udta Punjab. The Abhishek Chaubey directed film released on Friday with critics praising performances of the entire cast, including Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh.

When asked if he is expecting a national award this year, Shahid told reporters, "Last time you said the same (for 'Haider') and my expectations (went high)... But not (thinking about that) this time. You thought about that and I am happy." The film stars Shahid as a high-on-drugs rockstar Tommy Singh while Alia is seen as a Bihari migrant who is a hockey player.

Shahid said he was apprehensive if the viewers will lap up his character as it was complicated.

"I was scared if they will like it. It is one thing to play a character and another thing to be liked. It is a complicated character. I am very happy they liked the character despite it not being likeable."

On being quizzed about how happy Alia was with the reactions, Shahid interrupted and quipped, "She should win the national award." Alia said she would be happy if she nags an award but audiences approval matters the most.

"It's been such a difficult journey. I am grateful that I got an opportunity to play this character...I would be happy if I get an award but I just want the audiences approval," the "Highway" star said.

The film, which was mired in controversies with the Central Board of Film Certification, was leaked on the internet before its release.

"It is hurtful, painful, there is a lot of work which we had done. Someone told me it was playing on cable too...Our films have become vulnerable, especially a week before release. We have become soft target," Shahid said.