National Film Awards 2019: Nick Jonas leads the adulation as Priyanka Chopra-produced 'Paani' wins

Actor-producer Priyanka Chopra has lauded director inath Kothare and team behind her production "Paani" after film registered a win at 66th National Film Awards. Marathi movie, which Priyanka and her mor Mhu Chopra produced through ir banner Purple Pebble Pictures, won award for best film on environment conservation and preservation. 

Priyanka Chopra's husband Nick Jonas took to his Instagram handle to praise his wife and film's win.

"When we started Purple Pebble Pictures (PPP), it was with clear intent to produce stories of substance. We wanted to tell local stories that along with entertaining people, also h a purpose and tackled pressing issues we face today. 

"'Paani' was one such film... One that I knew instantly that I wanted to make. Even though inath was making his directorial debut with, I knew he would be a force to reckon with. And w here we are with a National Award for our labour of love. I couldn't be more proud of inath and his creative team and my team at PPP," Priyanka said in a statement. actor also thanked jury for recognising team's "hard work".

"It has given us furr impetus to continue on path of telling stories that combine entertainment with socially relevant stories. We are so houred that film h an impact and that our efforts have been recognised," she ded.

"Paani" is based on true events and problem of water scarcity in Nagdarwi, a drought-prone area of Maharashtra. Mhu Chopra said, "I'm grateful to National Award jury for bestowing one of most respectable laurels on us. subject of 'Paani' is very close to our heart and it's a story that needs to be told."

Previously, Priyanka and Mhu's production "Ventilator" h bagged three awards at 64th National Film Awards --  best director for Rajesh Mapuskar, best editing and best sound mixing. 

(With PTI inputs)