Tillotama Shome wins best actress award for Sir at Brussels International Film Festival

Tillotama Shome has won the best actress award for her performance in Rohena Gera's Sir at the Brussels International Film Festival.

"Thank you The Brussels International Film Festival for honouring me with the best actress award for Sir. Thank you jury members," Shome, who plays the character of Ratna in the film, posted on social media.

Matthieu Van Lierde, the festival's artistic director, said in a statement: "The film was unanimously appreciated by all the members of the jury for the performance of its actors and for its direction. Both the jury members and the audience that has attended the screening were deeply moved and touched by Ratna's story and the delicate and sensitive way in which it is presented."

For Shome, it is a privilege and "encouraging" to have one's film play in a country so far away and winning an award.

"It feels like a warm hug from afar, a pat on your back to keep at it. Thank you jury members for this encouragement. It's a privilege to have your film releasing in so many countries so far away from you...but winning an award is hugely encouraging. Thank you Rohena for gifting me the role of Ratna," she said.

Gera is equally excited about the accolades for Shome, who portrayed the complex role in a subtle and nuanced way.