Murmu Confers 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar, Anant Nag Gets Dadasaheb Phalke

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, congratulating the winners for their talent, dedication and hard work. She described filmmaking as a collaborative effort and asked the awardees to carry her appreciation to every member of their teams whose work made the winning films possible.

Veteran actor Anant Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, with the President acknowledging his distinguished contribution to theatre and cinema. Accepting the honour, Nag said he was grateful for the affection he has received from people across the country. He recalled growing up in an ashram before being sent to Mumbai, where he got the chance to act in a play. Theatre, he said, became the foundation of his career, and he went on to perform in around 50 plays before moving to films, including work with acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal. He said he consciously chose Kannada cinema and made Bengaluru his karmabhoomi, and noted that he had received the Padma Bhushan from the President last year.

In her address, the President said Indian cinema reflects the country's diverse languages, traditions, aspirations and struggles, and welcomed the choice of Ekta Nagar as the venue, calling it a symbol of cultural and national unity. She made a case for dignity and social security in the creative economy, saying workers, small artistes, assistants and struggling members of the creative community deserve respect and protection. She also called for women's participation on all juries so that the human perspective they bring is fully represented.

Pointing to the influence popular artistes wield, especially over children and young people, the President urged successful film personalities to promote the benefits of a disciplined lifestyle and to refrain from endorsing substances harmful to health. She said the quality of films being produced in the country strengthened her belief that Indian cinema can meet world-class standards.

Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat thanked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for beginning the practice of holding the ceremony outside Delhi and said hosting it at Kevadia, associated with the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, was a matter of pride for the state. He urged filmmakers to use cinema to promote natural farming, healthy lifestyles and environmental consciousness, and to reinforce love, brotherhood and national unity. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel described cinema as a reflection of society and a carrier of culture, and invited Indian and international filmmakers to shoot in Gujarat.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the aim is to take the National Film Awards to important tourist destinations across states and union territories, promoting the country's cultural heritage and tourism, and invited states and UTs to pitch destinations for future editions. He highlighted the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies as a new talent pool, with about 380 students enrolled in 13 industry-designed courses, and said the Prime Minister has approved 15,000 Creative Labs nationwide. He also invited suggestions for WAVES 2027, to be held in October next year.

Information and Broadcasting Secretary Chanchal Kumar said 400 feature films in 34 languages and 161 non-feature films in 24 languages were received, with 22 feature film and 23 non-feature film awards conferred. He said holding the ceremony outside Delhi is an initiative inspired by Sardar Patel's vision of national unity, and that future editions are envisaged in other cities as well.

Mammootty, for Bramayugam, and Kartik Aaryan, for Chandu Champion, shared the Best Actor in a Leading Role award, while Yami Gautam took Best Actress in a Leading Role for Article 370. Sanjay Mishra was named Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Bhakshak, and Sachana Namidass was honoured in the supporting category for Maharaja.