Not only has Tillotama Shome been getting rave reviews in the French press for her performance in Rohena Gera's film 'Sir' (titled Monsieur in France), she has just won an award for best actress. The film was in competition at the International film festival of Belgium.

Matthieu Van Lierde the festival's artistic director says,"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."

Tillotama Shome says,"It's a privelege to have your film play in a country so far away from you and winning an award is hugely encouraging. 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. It feels like a warm hug from afar, a pat on your back to keep at it. Thank you jury members for this encouragement. Thank you Rohena for gifting me the role of Ratna."

Rohena Gera, the director of Sir says,"Ratna's character is not a victim, she is a dynamic and happy person… and I am really glad that Tillotama has won an award for portraying that role with complexity.  It’s wonderful to have a subtle and nuanced performance appreciated."

This is the 8th award for SIR, five of which were audience awards, where the film was selected as the favorite based on audience votes. Tillotama was also nominated for best actress at the Indian International film festival or Melbourne, and at Critics week, Cannes. Her previous awards include the Filmfare best supporting actress award for Konkona Sen Sharma's 'A death in the Gunj' and a best actress award for Qissa at the Doha international film festival.

She was also recently on the jury of the prestigious Macau film festival.