Actor Nandita Das’s directorial debut Firaaq, which deals with the impact of violence on human psyche and relationships, has won awards in categories of best screenplay/script and the Foreign Correspondents Association award for best movie.

Produced by Percept Picture Company (PPC), Firaaq is an India film presenting sectarian aggression as an experience of common people after communal riots in Gujarat in 2002.

The star cast of the film includes Nasseruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal, Dipti Naval, Raghubir Yadav, Sanjay Suri, Tisca Chopra, Shahana Goswami and Nowaz.

The Annual Asian festival gave out to debutant talent in 11 categories and saws more than 600 entries from over 26 countries.

The event was held in Singapore.

Nandita Das is an Indian actress and is well-known for her bold characters in unconventional productions.

She said that it took her three years to come forth with the screenplay, and it was frequently influenced by real life happenings, including bombings.

“There’s a lot of anger now and that’s the overriding feeling, which is dangerous. The film shows the other side — the compassion — and that’s important to see and understand,” she added.

More than 2,000 Muslims were slaughtered by Hindu mobs in the Gujarat riots of 2002, the impact of which is depicted in the movie.