President Droupadi Murmu, who honoured excellence in Indian cinema at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on Tuesday, urged the country’s biggest film stars to avoid endorsing products that could harm people’s health.

Murmu presented the National Film Awards to leading talents from Indian cinema at a ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat. Towards the end of the event, she appealed to popular film personalities to use their influence responsibly, particularly among young people.

“Film artistes, who are extremely popular, have the huge power to influence the people of the country, especially the youth. When popular film stars talk about the importance of a disciplined lifestyle, people sit up and take notice. The people follow them,” Murmu said.

“I would like to request the biggest stars of India to refrain from endorsing anything that may prove to be harmful to the body. The job of a star is to spread light. You are all the representatives of the creative economy,” she added.

Murmu also urged film personalities to support labourers, small artistes, assistants and aspiring artists who form a significant part of India’s creative economy. She called for greater social security and respect for these workers.

Anant Nag to Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag will receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 for his significant contribution to Indian cinema and his enduring legacy in the Kannada film industry.

Born Anant Nagarkatte in 1948, Anant Nag has built a career spanning more than five decades. The actor and politician has appeared in more than 300 films across Kannada, Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam and Telugu cinema.

Known for his versatility, Anant Nag has worked extensively in both mainstream and parallel cinema and remains one of the prominent figures in Kannada filmmaking.

Mammootty Receives Standing Ovation

Malayalam cinema veteran Mammootty received a standing ovation after he received the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Bramayugam.

Mammootty walked onto the stage to receive the honour from President Murmu at the National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat. Attendees applauded the veteran actor as he accepted the award.

Mammootty shared the Best Actor honour with Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan, who earned recognition for his performance in the sports biopic Chandu Champion.

Dhanush Wins Two National Honours

Actor, producer and director Dhanush secured two honours at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.

Dhanush won the National Award for Best Tamil Film for Raayan, which he directed and headlined. The award marks his first National Award recognition for directing.

Released in 2024, Raayan follows a man who enters a world of crime and revenge while trying to protect his family.

Dhanush also received a Special Mention for his performance in Captain Miller, directed by Arun Matheswaran. The film, set during the pre-Independence period, also won the National Award for Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values.

Yami Gautam Calls National Award a Special Moment

Actor Yami Gautam Dhar, who won the Best Actress honour for Article 370, said the recognition made her feel like a newcomer despite her years of experience in the industry.

Yami Gautam attended the ceremony with her husband, filmmaker Aditya Dhar. Speaking to Prasar Bharati, she described the National Award as the highest honour an artiste in India can receive.

“This is the biggest validation that any artiste in this country could receive. It’s the highest honour. I don’t think I’ll be able to express how I am feeling right now,” she said.

She added that Article 370 had contributed significantly to her growth as an artiste and actor.

The film depicts the events surrounding the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India.

Sanjay Mishra Highlights the Importance of Staying Grounded

Actor Sanjay Mishra, who won the Best Supporting Actor award, said staying grounded helps him create believable characters on screen.

Speaking to Prasar Bharati at the National Film Awards ceremony, Mishra said he consciously observes the world and the people around him to remain grounded.

“I make a conscious effort to observe the world, to observe the people around me. Only then I will stay grounded,” Mishra said.

“I am a very simple guy but my characters are far from simple, and because of that it manages to reach out to so many people and touch so many lives. I am extremely grateful for that,” he added.

Other National Film Award Winners

Rajkumar Periasamy won Best Direction for Amaran, while Randeep Hooda received the Best Debut Director honour for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.

Kalki 2898 AD won the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

Bhangaar won Best Non-Feature Film, while Ram-Nami received the Best Documentary honour.