New Delhi, March 24 (IANS): Sitting miles away in Kuala Lumpur, Omung Kumar sprang with surprise and excitement upon hearing that his debut directorial venture "Mary Kom", a film on the life of boxing champion M.C. Mary Kom, had won a National Film Award on Tuesday. He says it's the "biggest high" for him ever.

It has been named the best popular film providing wholesome entertainment for being an inspiring story of a woman who becomes a national icon through her determined pursuit of sporting excellence. The film saw Priyanka Chopra embodying the role of the Manipur sportswoman.

In a message to IANS, the popular art director and now filmmaker, said: "Winning a National Award for my first film is the biggest high I could have got. God, I can't believe it."

He couldn't assimilate the news at first.

"I'm sitting in Malaysia right now and getting to know this news from people, and I couldn't understand first as to did we get nominated or did we win, and then finally when I came to know that it really happened, I just couldn't believe it.

"It's a dream come true for a debut director. Thank you all for your support," he added.

Priyanka was ably supported by Darshan Kumar as her onscreen husband in the film, for which Mary Kom herself stepped out in the film promotion arena.