The year has begun on a winning note for award winning filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda as he has been chosen for the prestigious Padma Shri Award in the Art – Film Direction and Production category.

"My responsibility hasnow increased much more with this honour," says the highly-acclaimed filmmaker, who has in his 20-year-old career produced and directed 4 Hindi films and over 70 documentaries and short films, most of which are based on important social issues.

Elated with the win, Madhab reveals that it is all the more special for him as the award recognizes his work for the past two decades and not just in Bollywood. "It is encouraging for someone like me who has come a long wayfrom a very poor and humble background in a small obscure village inOdisha. I have always through my work tried to showcase my hometown and nowI am glad to bring some more spotlight on it," says the 'I Am Kalam' maker.

Having won several awards and critical acclaim on international and national level, Madhab reveals that his own life's experiences have been his greatest inspiration.  

"Most of my films are based on socially-relevant issues as I have seen them in the most real ways possible. Films are a powerful tool for bringing about a change or at least start the process in the right direction and as a filmmaker that’s what I have been trying to do all along and will continue to do so," says Madhab.

And now with the fourth highest civilian honour in his list of awards, Madhab sees it as a guiding light on his way forward. "The award is humbling, encouraging and a huge reassurance that sticking to one's convictions and moving ahead is far more important than anything else," he adds.