President Murmu Confers Dadasaheb Phalke Award on Anant Nag

• President Murmu presents 72nd National Film Awards
• Anant Nag receives 2024 Dadasaheb Phalke Award
• President highlights cinema’s cultural and social role
• Celebrities urged to promote healthy lifestyles

GG News Bureau
Ekta Nagar, 23rd Sept: President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards at a ceremony held at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, on Tuesday. She also conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 on veteran actor Anant Nag for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

Congratulating the award winners, President Murmu praised their exceptional talent and hard work, saying their achievements had earned them national recognition.

She expressed happiness over Anant Nag receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and described his acting as a synthesis of the finest elements of theatre and cinema. She noted his reputation for natural, restrained and authentic performances and said he represented an ideal example for future generations of artists.

Cinema reflects India’s diversity
The President said India’s image is reflected in films made across the country’s many languages and regions. Indian cinema, she said, embodies the dreams, traditions and struggles of its people as well as their possibilities for the future.

Referring to the venue near the Statue of Unity and the Wall of Unity, President Murmu said the setting added significance to a ceremony celebrating India’s cultural unity. She said the occasion appeared to evoke the presence of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the architect of India’s unity, blessing the celebration of the country’s cultural diversity.

The President also appreciated the award-winning films and highlighted their varied themes and social relevance.

She said ‘Article 370’ presented a vivid account of serious challenges facing India’s unity and their solutions. The non-feature film ‘Bhangaar’, she said, explored unseen dimensions related to life and death, meaning and meaninglessness.

President Murmu described ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’ as an artistic tribute to the life of Veer Savarkar and said ‘Bhakshak’ raised awareness about the serious issue of women’s safety.

She also noted the national recognition given to the Santhali film ‘Angen’, saying it encouraged an outstanding film while promoting cultural diversity and social inclusion.

President calls for greater representation of women
President Murmu commended the jury members for selecting films dealing with significant issues concerning society and the nation.

She called for women’s participation to be ensured in every regional jury, emphasising that incorporating women’s perspectives helps create a holistic understanding of human issues.

The President also stressed the importance of respect and sensitivity towards every member of a film production team. She urged representatives of the creative economy to ensure that workers, small-scale artists, assistants and struggling professionals receive due respect and social security.

Celebrities urged to promote healthy lifestyles
President Murmu said popular film artists have immense potential to influence people, particularly young people.

She noted that when successful film personalities speak about the benefits of a disciplined lifestyle, millions of children and young people may emulate them.

The President therefore urged celebrities not to endorse products that are harmful to health.

“A true star is one who spreads light, not darkness,” she said.