Delhi, September 22: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday conferred the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, honouring excellence across Indian cinema, with veteran actor Anant Nag receiving the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 for his lifetime contribution to theatre and cinema. Congratulating the award winners, the President said filmmaking is a collaborative effort and acknowledged the contribution of all those working behind the scenes in bringing films to life.
Murmu said Indian cinema reflects the country’s diverse languages, traditions, aspirations and struggles, and appreciated the decision to hold the National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar, describing the venue as symbolic of India’s cultural and national unity.
Highlighting the influence of film personalities, particularly on children and young people, the President urged artists to promote disciplined and healthy lifestyles and refrain from endorsing substances harmful to health. She also stressed the need to ensure dignity and social security for workers, small artistes, assistants and struggling members of the creative sector.
Anant Nag receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award : The President called for greater participation of women in film juries to ensure a more comprehensive perspective and said the growing quality of Indian films strengthened her belief that the country’s cinema could achieve world-class standards. Veteran actor Anant Nag was presented the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 in recognition of his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema and theatre.
Accepting the award, Nag recalled beginning his life in an ashram before moving to Mumbai, where he received an opportunity to perform in theatre. He said he acted in around 50 plays before entering cinema and later worked with acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal.
Nag said he consciously chose to work in Kannada cinema and made Bengaluru his karmabhoomi. He expressed gratitude for the affection and support he had received from people across the country throughout his career.
National Film Awards to travel to tourist destinations : Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the government intends to hold future editions of the National Film Awards at important tourist destinations across different States and Union Territories. He invited states and UTs to propose tourist destinations for hosting future ceremonies, saying the initiative would help showcase India’s cultural heritage and promote tourism.
Vaishnaw also announced that the next edition of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) will be held in October 2027. He said around 380 students have enrolled in 13 courses at the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, with its curriculum being designed and driven by the industry.
The Minister also said the Prime Minister has approved 15,000 Creative Labs across the country to provide young people opportunities to learn emerging technologies and showcase India’s cultural diversity.
Article 370 wins Best Feature Film : Article 370 was named Best Feature Film at the 72nd National Film Awards, while Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor in a Leading Role award for Bramayugam and Chandu Champion, respectively. Yami Gautam won the Best Actress in a Leading Role award for her performance in Article 370.
Sanjay Mishra received the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award for Bhakshak, while Sachana Namidass for Maharaja and Ropashree Varkady for Mithya shared the Best Actress in a Supporting Role honour.
Kalki 2898 AD was named Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, while Captain Miller received the award for Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values.
Rajkumar Periasamy won Best Direction for Amaran, while Randeep Hooda was recognised for his directorial debut, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.
Regional cinema finds national recognition : The awards also celebrated India’s linguistic and cultural diversity, with films in Garhwali, Tulu and Santhali receiving recognition.
Dholi, directed by Dinesh P. Bhonsle, won the Best Garhwali Film award, while Shivadhwaj Shetty’s IMBU was named Best Tulu Film.
Santhali film Angen, directed by Ravi Raj Murmu, received the Best Debut Film of a Director award.
Information and Broadcasting Secretary Chanchal Kumar said the 72nd National Film Awards received 400 feature film entries across 34 languages and 161 non-feature films across 24 languages.
A total of 22 feature film and 23 non-feature film awards were presented during the ceremony.
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also addressed the ceremony, highlighting cinema’s role in strengthening cultural diversity, social values, national unity and India’s global identity.
