President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday presented the 72nd National Film Awards at a ceremony held at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, and conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 on veteran actor Anant Nag for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.
Congratulating all the award winners, the President said their exceptional talent and hard work had helped them carve a niche for themselves at the national level.
Expressing happiness over Anant Nag receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, President Murmu said his performances represent a synthesis of the finest elements of theatre and cinema. She described his acting as natural, restrained and authentic and said he sets an ideal example for future generations of artists.
The President said India’s image is reflected through films made in different languages and regions. She noted that Indian cinema embodies the dreams, traditions and struggles of the people, as well as possibilities for the future.
She also highlighted the significance of holding the awards ceremony at the Statue of Unity premises, near the Wall of Unity. She said the location evoked the presence of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the architect of India’s unity, at a festival celebrating the country’s cultural unity.
President Murmu appreciated the award-winning films and highlighted their varied themes. She said Article 370 presents an account of challenges related to the country’s unity and their solutions, while the non-feature film Bhangaar explores dimensions related to life and death, meaning and meaninglessness.
She described Swatantrya Veer Savarkar as an artistic tribute to the life of Veer Savarkar and said Bhakshak raises awareness about the serious issue of women’s safety.
The President also noted that national-level recognition for the Santhali film Angen has encouraged an outstanding film while promoting cultural diversity and social inclusion.
She commended the jury members for selecting films that address significant issues concerning society and the nation and stressed the need to ensure women’s participation in every regional jury.
President Murmu also called for respect and sensitivity towards every member of a film production team to become an integral part of the industry’s work culture.
She urged representatives of the creative economy to ensure that workers, small-scale artists, assistants and those struggling to establish themselves receive due respect and social security.
Highlighting the influence of popular film artists, the President said celebrities have significant potential to shape public behaviour, particularly among young people.
She urged film personalities not to endorse products that are harmful to health, noting that successful artists can encourage millions of children and young people to adopt disciplined lifestyles.
She said, “A true star is one who spreads light, not darkness.”
