Pune-based filmmaker Ashish Avinash Bende, 45, has etched his name in Indian cinema history by clinching the Golden Lotus for Best Debut Film of a Director at the 71st National Film Awards for his Marathi feature "Aatmapamphlet". President Droupadi Murmu presented the honour during a ceremony in New Delhi on Tuesday, recognising Bende's poignant exploration of childhood and political turmoil in 1990s India. The semi-autobiographical tale, viewed through a 10-year-old boy's lens, blends satire, nostalgia, and social commentary, earning critical acclaim since its 2023 release.

Bende's odyssey from amateur performer to award-winning director exemplifies quiet persistence in Maharashtra's vibrant Marathi theatre and film ecosystem. Hailing from Pune, his passion ignited at Abhinav Marathi Medium School through inter-school drama competitions, where he discovered a natural flair for acting.

At Fergusson College, he honed his craft in inter-college theatre, clinching the prestigious Keshavrao Date award at the Purushottam Karandak festival—a milestone that fuelled his artistic ambitions. "I never thought my journey was extraordinary enough to be written as a biography. At best, it could fit into a pamphlet," Bende quipped, revealing the film's title's origin as "Aatmapamphlet", evoking an intimate, pamphlet-like self-portrait.

Transitioning from stage to screen, Bende immersed himself in Mumbai's film industry under the mentorship of acclaimed director Paresh Mokashi. He starred in Mokashi's commercial play "Sangeet Lagna Kallol" before assisting on landmark projects like "Harishchandrachi Factory" (India's 2010 Oscar entry), "Elizabeth Ekadashi", and "Vaalvi".

These collaborations, blending historical drama and cultural narratives, shifted Bende's focus from acting to directing, equipping him with the technical and storytelling acumen needed for his solo venture. "Aatmapamphlet", produced independently with a modest budget, premiered to enthusiastic responses at festivals, underscoring the resilience of regional cinema amid Bollywood's dominance.

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The irony of Bende's success peaks with his longstanding connection to the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, Asia's premier film school. As a student, he cycled past its gates en route to sports practice at ILS Law College, dreaming of admission. Undeterred by four rejections—each time landing on the waiting list—Bende forged ahead through self-taught grit and theatre networks. In a poetic reversal, FTII later invited him to screen "Aatmapamphlet" on campus, transforming exclusion into celebration.

This National Award not only validates Bende's vision but also spotlights Marathi cinema's growing national footprint, inspiring aspiring filmmakers in Maharashtra's creative hubs like Pune and Mumbai to pursue authentic stories over institutional gatekeepers.

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