Murmu Presents 72nd National Film Awards at Kevadia, Cautions Actors on Endorsements

President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards for 2024 at a ceremony held in Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), near the Statue of Unity, honouring achievers across various categories of cinema. The event drew leading figures from the film industry, turning the occasion into a gathering of some of the country's most recognised screen talent.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President turned her attention to the responsibility that comes with celebrity. She urged actors to refrain from endorsing health products that could cause harm to the public, framing the appeal around the trust audiences place in film personalities.

A true star, she said, spreads light rather than darkness — a remark that underscored her call for the film fraternity to use its influence with care. The observation placed the evening's celebration of artistic achievement alongside a note on the ethical weight of fame.

The National Film Awards remain among the most prestigious recognitions in Indian cinema, and the 72nd edition honoured work from 2024. By holding the ceremony at Ekta Nagar, the event also carried a symbolic association with the Statue of Unity, a landmark that has become a prominent venue for national occasions.