President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards at a ceremony held in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, on 22 september, 2026. On this occasion, veteran actor Anant Nag was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2024 in recognition of his remarkable contribution to Indian cinema.
While congratulating the award winners, the President highlighted the diversity of Indian cinema and its social impact. Praising Anant Nag’s effortless, restrained, and authentic acting, she remarked that his work serves as an inspiration for future generations of artists.
The President mentioned award-winning films, including ‘Article 370’, ‘Bhakshak’, ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’, ‘Bhangar’, and the Santhali film ‘Angen’. She stated that such films highlight important themes like national unity, women’s safety, social concerns, and cultural diversity.
She also emphasized increasing women’s participation in the film industry and ensuring dignity and social security for technicians, junior artists, assistants, and struggling artists. The President appealed to popular film artists to promote healthy lifestyles and refrain from endorsing substances harmful to health, keeping in mind the influence they have on the youth.
(PIB)
