President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards at a formal ceremony held in the national capital, honouring outstanding contributions to Indian cinema across various categories. The event brought together prominent filmmakers, actors, and technicians from across the country’s diverse film industries.

The most prestigious honour of the evening, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, was conferred upon veteran actor Anant Nag in recognition of his lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. Known for his versatile performances spanning several decades and languages, particularly in Kannada cinema, Nag has been a towering figure whose work has left a lasting impression on generations of viewers and filmmakers alike.

Addressing the gathering, President Murmu lauded the recipients for enriching India’s cinematic heritage and emphasised the role of films in reflecting the nation’s social and cultural fabric. She noted that Indian cinema continues to gain global recognition while remaining rooted in the country’s rich storytelling traditions.

The National Film Awards, instituted to recognise excellence in Indian cinema, cover a wide range of categories including best feature film, best actor and actress, direction, and technical achievements. The ceremony is regarded as one of the most significant events celebrating the artistic and technical achievements of filmmakers working across India’s numerous regional film industries.

Officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, along with members of the jury panels responsible for selecting the winners, were present at the event. The awards ceremony reaffirmed the government’s continued commitment to promoting and preserving India’s rich cinematic legacy while encouraging new talent within the industry.

Image: President’s Secretariat (Wikimedia Commons)