Kartik Aaryan, Yami Gautam and Randeep Hooda Win at 72nd National Film Awards
Kartik Aaryan and Yami Gautam won Best Actor and Best Actress, while Randeep Hooda took Best Debut Film of a Director at the 72nd National Film Awards.
The 72nd National Film Awards were presented on Tuesday at Kevadia in Gujarat, with President Droupadi Murmu honouring outstanding achievements in Indian cinema for 2024. Among the evening's most prominent winners were actors Kartik Aaryan, Yami Gautam and Randeep Hooda.
Kartik Aaryan received the Best Actor award for his performance in 'Chandu Champion', his first National Award. Yami Gautam was named Best Actress for 'Article 370'. Randeep Hooda won the Best Debut Film of a Director Award for his biographical drama 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar'.
Hooda attended the ceremony with his wife, Lin Laishram, and later shared photographs with his family, including one in which he holds the award. In a social media post, he dedicated the honour to the many people who worked to bring the film to life and to audiences who have supported his work over the past 25 years. He described the moment of waiting to walk on stage as one that made him look back on his career, and said sharing it with his family made it more special, noting that he was there not only as himself but as a father.
Gautam also posted a note expressing gratitude for the award and for the journey that led to it, thanking those who believed in her and acknowledging the lessons, struggles and prayers along the way. She credited Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar for entrusting her with what she called the role of a lifetime in 'Article 370', describing Aditya Dhar as a visionary leader committed to telling stories that inspire pride in the nation. She extended her thanks to her parents, her in-laws, the film's team and her audience.
Aaryan marked his win with a visit to the Lalbaugcha Raja pandal in Mumbai, where he brought his award to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesh. Sharing a picture from inside the pandal, he wrote that he felt blessed beyond words.
Other recipients at the ceremony included Dhanush, Mammootty, Aanand L Rai, Vijay Ganguly and Sanjay Mishra. Veteran actor Anant Nag was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.