President Droupadi Murmu presented the esteemed Dadasaheb Phalke Award to veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty at the 70th National Film Awards ceremony, a prestigious event celebrating India's finest cinema. During the presentation, Murmu highlighted a notable disparity: only 15 out of 85 National Film Award recipients are women.
This ceremony, however, honoured some exceptional talents, including music maestro AR Rahman, who took home the award for Best Background Music.
Notable winners included Rishab Shetty, who secured the Best Actor award, and Nithya Menen and Manasi Parekh, who jointly received the Best Actress honour. These accolades showcase the incredible range of talent in Indian cinema. The event was a testament to the industry's excellence, with luminaries gathering to celebrate their achievements.
"The total number of award winners today is more than 85, but the number of women award winners is only 15. In most higher-education institutions, the number of girl students receiving awards exceeds that of male students.
"Similar changes should happen in employment and industry also. More efforts can be made by the film industry towards women-led development," Murmu said at the award function.
The president also said films and social media are a great tool to bring a change in society.
"The impact these mediums have on creating awareness among people is not possible through any other medium," she added.
Chakraborty, who was wearing an arm brace in his right hand, received the award amid loud applause from the spectators who gave him a standing ovation as he walked to the stage along with an aid.
"I have come on this stage once again thanks to your blessings... Nothing was handed to me on a platter, I struggled a lot. But today, after receiving this award, I have stopped complaining. Thank you God, you gave me everything back and with interest," the 74-year-old, who was wearing a green beret much like Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara, said in his speech.
Malayalam film "Aattam" won the top prize of the best feature film, along with wins in screenplay for director Anand Ekarshi and editing for Mahesh Bhuvanend.
Ekarshi said winning three National Awards for his debut movie was special.
"It is a huge honour for us. It really helps in the viewership of the film all the more on the international level..." Ekarshi stated.
Sooraj R Barjatya received the best director award for "Uunchai" and the filmmaker said he is grateful for the recognition.
"I'm full of gratitude to the jury and National Awards. For the first time, I made a film without worrying about box office returns. 'Uunchai' is art from the soul," Barjatya stated.
The award for best actor went to Shetty for the Kannada hit "Kantara", which also took home the prize for best popular film award for providing wholesome entertainment.
"Every film impacts society. Our goal is to make a difference. We strive to create meaningful stories that resonate with people," Shetty cited.
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