Anant Nag receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award as President Murmu presents 72nd National Film Awards
Ekta Nagar: Veteran actor Anant Nag was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 by President Droupadi Murmu at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony held at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, on Tuesday.
The award recognises Nag’s outstanding contribution to Indian cinema over a career spanning several decades. Congratulating the veteran actor, President Murmu said his performances represented a synthesis of the finest elements of theatre and cinema.
She described Nag as an actor known for his natural, restrained and authentic performances, adding that his career offered an example for future generations of artists.
‘Indian cinema reflects people’s dreams, struggles’
Addressing the award ceremony, Murmu said Indian cinema reflects the country’s diversity across languages and regions.
“Indian cinema embodies the dreams, traditions, and struggles of the Indian people, as well as the possibilities for the future,” she said.
The President noted that the National Film Awards ceremony was being held near the Statue of Unity and the Wall of Unity, describing the setting as particularly appropriate for an event celebrating India’s cultural diversity and unity.
President highlights award-winning films
Murmu congratulated all the National Film Award winners and appreciated the films recognised this year.
She said ‘Article 370’ presented an account of challenges concerning national unity and their solutions. She described the non-feature film ‘Bhangaar’ as exploring dimensions of life and death, while ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’ paid artistic tribute to the life of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
She also highlighted ‘Bhakshak’ for raising awareness about women’s safety and noted that national recognition for the Santhali film ‘Angen’ would encourage both cultural diversity and social inclusion.
Murmu calls for greater women’s participation
The President commended the National Film Awards jury members for recognising films dealing with important social and national issues.
She called for greater participation of women in regional juries, saying women’s perspectives were important in developing a holistic understanding of issues.
Murmu also stressed the need for respect, sensitivity and social security for workers across the film industry, including technicians, assistants, small-scale artists and those at the beginning of their careers.
‘Stars should avoid promoting harmful products’
The President said popular film personalities have considerable influence, particularly among children and young people.
She urged successful actors and other celebrities to promote disciplined and healthy lifestyles and avoid endorsing products that could be harmful to public health.
“A true star is one who spreads light, not darkness,” Murmu said.
The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony brought together leading names from across India’s diverse film industries, with the event recognising achievements in feature films, non-feature films and other categories.
