Paresh Rawal Backs Gujarat as Host of 72nd National Film Awards
Paresh Rawal has defended holding the 72nd National Film Awards in Kevadia, Gujarat, saying such events should take place in every state.
Actor Paresh Rawal has come out in support of Gujarat hosting the 72nd National Film Awards, arguing that the state is as much a part of the country as any other and that national events should not be confined to the capital.
"Is Gujarat in Bangladesh or Pakistan? It is also a part of our own country. Why shouldn't this event be held in Gujarat? Events should be held in Gujarat too... I say such events should take place in every state. There is nothing wrong with that," Rawal said.
The ceremony, traditionally held in the national capital, will this year take place at Kevadia in Gujarat on September 22. The government has described the shift as a policy initiative aimed at taking the National Film Awards to different parts of the country, with the Ekta Nagar edition intended to reflect the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'.
Instituted in 1954, the National Film Awards are the country's most prestigious honours for excellence in cinema. Over seven decades, they have recognised creative and technical achievement across feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema, while reflecting the linguistic, cultural and regional diversity of Indian filmmaking.
At the 72nd edition, Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty share the Best Actor in a Leading Role award for their performances in 'Chandu Champion' and 'Bramayugam' respectively. Yami Gautam will be honoured as Best Actress in a Leading Role for 'Article 370', which has also been named Best Feature Film. 'Bhangaar' has been adjudged Best Non-Feature Film and 'Ram-Nami' Best Documentary.
Randeep Hooda will receive the Best Debut Director award for 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar'. Sanjeev Shrivastava has been announced as the Best Film Critic, while the Best Book on Cinema award will go to 'Naaniruvude Nimagaagi Naadiruvude Nanagaagi: Kannada Cinemada Thathva matthu Rajakeeya', written by Dr. Pradeep Kenchanuru and published by Mirror Pusthaka.
The awards also recognise work across languages and forms, including Marathi, Santhali, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Tulu and Garhwali. For the first time, a Santhali film will be honoured in the non-feature film section. Several other titles, among them 'Kalki 2898 AD', 'Amaran', 'Pushpa: The Rule Part-02', 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' and 'Stree 2', will receive honours in various categories. Further details about the ceremony are awaited.