The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today conferred the 72nd National Film Awards and congratulated all the award winners for their talent, dedication and hard work. She said filmmaking is a collaborative effort and urged the awardees to convey her appreciation to every member of their teams whose contributions made the award-winning films possible.

The President congratulated Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient Shri Anant Nag for his distinguished contribution to theatre and cinema.

The President said Indian cinema reflects the country’s diverse languages, traditions, aspirations and struggles. She appreciated the choice of Ekta Nagar as venue of the National Film Awards, symbolising India’s cultural and national unity.

Calling for dignity and social security in the creative economy, the President said workers, small artists, assistants and struggling members of the creative community deserve respect and social security. She also called for women’s participation in all jury to ensure a comprehensive human perspective.

Highlighting the influence of popular artists, particularly on children and young people, the President urged successful artists to promote the benefits of a disciplined lifestyle and refrain from endorsing substances harmful to health.

The President said the quality of films being made in the country strengthens her belief that Indian cinema can set world-class standards.

A Lifetime of Stories, A Legacy of Cinema: Shri Anant Nag Honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award 

As the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 to Shri Anant Nag, the moment celebrated his lifetime of dedication to storytelling, theatre and cinema. The honour recognised his memorable performances and enduring contribution to Indian cinema over the decades.

Accepting the award with humility, Shri Anant Nag expressed gratitude for the people and experiences that shaped his journey.

Recalling his early years, Shri Anant Nag said that he grew up in an ashram before being sent to Mumbai, where he got an opportunity to act in a play. Theatre became the foundation of his career, and he went on to perform in around 50 plays before entering films. He later had the opportunity to work in films, including those made by acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal.

Shri Anant Nag said he consciously chose Kannada cinema and made Bengaluru his karmabhoomi. Recalling that he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan by the Hon’ble President last year, he expressed his deep gratitude for receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award from the President once again this year.

Gujarat Welcomes the National Film Awards

The ceremony in Gujarat marked a new chapter in the journey of the National Film Awards.

The Governor of Gujarat Acharya Devvrat expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for beginning the tradition of holding the National Film Awards outside Delhi, and said it was a matter of pride for Gujarat to host the prestigious awards at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, associated with the legacy and strength of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Addressing the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, the Governor said Indian cinema has contributed significantly to enriching the country’s diverse languages and cultures.

He urged filmmakers to use cinema to promote natural farming, healthy lifestyles and environmental consciousness, and to strengthen values of love, brotherhood and national unity.

Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra PateI welcomed the Hon’ble President and distinguished guests to Gujarat for the 72nd National Film Awards, describing the hosting of the ceremony at Ekta Nagar as a matter of pride for the State.

He highlighted cinema as a reflection of society, a carrier of culture and a powerful medium for connecting human emotions, with the potential to strengthen India’s global identity and soft power.

Highlighting Gujarat’s rich heritage, diverse landscapes and cultural traditions, he invited Indian and international filmmakers to choose Gujarat for filming and thanked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for bringing the prestigious ceremony to the State.

Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble President for gracing the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, and congratulated all the award winners for their outstanding achievements in Indian cinema.

The Minister said that cinema is a team effort and that the National Film Awards recognise both those receiving awards and those working behind the scenes. He also lauded Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient Shri Anant Nag for his immense contribution to Indian cinema.

Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the focus of the National Film Awards is to take the ceremony to important tourist destinations across States and Union Territories, thereby promoting India’s rich cultural heritage and tourism. He called upon the states & union territories to pitch for tourist destinations as venues for the future editions of national film awards.

Highlighting the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) as a new talent pool, he said that around 380 students have already enrolled in 13 courses, with the curriculum designed and driven by the industry. He further informed that the Hon’ble Prime Minister has approved 15,000 Creative Labs across the country, creating new opportunities for youth to learn emerging technologies and showcase India’s diverse culture.

The Minister called upon filmmakers and the entire film fraternity, with Shri Prasoon Joshi as Chairman of Prasar Bharati, to help identify, nurture and promote raw talent from small towns.

He reiterated that combined efforts of the Government and the creative fraternity can help unlock India’s immense creative potential and enable Indian talent to reach audiences across the world.

He also invited suggestions and ideas for WAVES 2027, to be held in October next year.

The Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Shri Chanchal Kumar, said that at the 72nd National Film Awards, 400 Feature Films across 34 languages and 161 Non-Feature Films across 24 languages were received, with 22 Feature Film and 23 Non-Feature Film awards conferred. He said that Indian cinema continues to grow as a powerful medium of cultural expression and global storytelling.

The Secretary said that holding the National Film Awards outside Delhi, at Ekta Nagar, is an important initiative inspired by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's vision and commitment to national unity, and that in the coming years, the ceremony is also envisaged to be held in other cities.

Celebrating Excellence: Stories, Performances and the Many Shades of Indian Cinema

The best actor in a Leading Role award was shared Mammootty for Bramayugam  & Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion, while Yami Gautam received the Best Actress in a Leading Role award for Article 370.

In the supporting categories, Sanjay Mishra was honoured as Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Bhakshak, while Sachana Namidass for Maharaja and Ropashree Varkady for Mithya shared the Best Actress in a Supporting Role award.

Article 370 was honoured as the Best Feature Film, while Randeep Hooda received recognition for his directorial debut, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. Kalki 2898 AD was named Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, while Captain Miller received the award for Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values. Rajkumar Periasamy received the Best Direction award for Amaran.

Many Languages, One National Stage

The awards also highlighted the linguistic diversity of Indian cinema. Beyond the languages specified in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, Garhwali and Tulu cinema too found national recognition.

Dholi, produced by SC Pharmachem Pvt. Ltd. and directed by Dinesh P. Bhonsle, received the Best Garhwali Film award, while IMBU, produced by Pichchar Studio and directed by Shivadhwaj Shetty, was honoured as the Best Tulu Film.

Angen, a Santhali film directed by Ravi Raj Murmu, received the Best Debut Film of a Director award.

From Garhwali and Tulu to Santhali, the evening brought diverse cinematic voices to one national platform reaffirming that every language adds a new story to India’s cinematic tapestry.

A Celebration of Indian Cinema

The 72nd National Film Awards brought together celebrated names, emerging voices, popular cinema and regional storytelling on one national stage. At Ekta Nagar, the evening became a celebration of India’s cinematic spirit many languages, countless stories and diverse creative traditions coming together through the universal language of cinema.

For the complete list of award recipients and detailed information on the awards, please click : Complete List of Awardees

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Mahesh Kumar/  Sayyid Rabeehashmi / Vivek Vishwash/ Aparajita Priyadarshini