Entertainment
oi-Ashish Rana
President Droupadi Murmu urged popular film personalities to use their influence responsibly and avoid promoting products that harms people’s health. She urged the popular stars while speaking at the presentation ceremony of 72nd National Film Awards for films released in 2024.
During the 72nd National Film Awards in Kevadia, Gujarat, President Murmu urged film stars to avoid promoting harmful products, called for women’s inclusion on juries, and advocated for film workers’ rights, presenting the Dadasaheb Phalke Award to Anant Nag.
This time the National Award ceremony was held at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat near the Statue of Unity. Many leading names from Indian film industry were present at the event which recognised the achievements across different categories in cinema.
Murmu’s Message To Popular Film Stars
The president said the celebrities have a strong impact on children and young people. She told that when successful actors and artists speaks about health and disciplined life, many young people follows it.
“When successful artists speak about the benefits of a disciplined lifestyle, millions of children and young people emulate them. I urge popular artists not to endorse products that are harmful to people’s health. A true star is the one who spreads light, not darkness,” Murmu said.
More Women Needed On Award Juries
President Murmu also aimed at representation of women in the panels that select films and artists for National Film Awards.
“I would like to see women’s participation ensured in every regional jury. Incorporating the female perspective in any field makes it possible to form a holistic human outlook”.” she said.
मैं यह अनुरोध करना चाहूंगी कि लोकप्रिय कलाकार स्वास्थ्य के लिए हानिकारक पदार्थों का endorsement न करें। Star वही है जो रोशनी फैलाए, अंधेरा नहीं। pic.twitter.com/5VPwBxK4Y2
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 22, 2026
President Raises Issue Of Film Workers
Murmu also urged the film industry to look after people who work behind the scenes and those who are still trying to establish themselves.
“Please ensure that the workers, small-scale artists, assistants, and those struggling to make their mark, who contribute to this economy, receive both respect and social security,” President Murmu added.
She recalled her message from the previous National Film Awards ceremony, when she had called for respect and sensitivity towards every member of a film crew to become an important part of the industry’s work culture.
National Film Awards Honour Cinema Talent
The 72nd National Film Awards recognised work in Indian cinema during 2024. Among the major honours, Kartik Aaryan received the Best Actor award for Chandu Champion, while Yami Gautam was honoured for her performance in Article 370. Veteran actor Mammootty was also among the major award recipients.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 to veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag for his contribution to Indian cinema.
