President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday urged popular film artists not to endorse health-harming products, saying a ‘true star’ spreads light, not darkness, given the influence celebrities wield over young minds.
Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 by the President at the event. Article 370 was named Best Feature Film, with Yami Gautam winning the Best Actress for the Leading Role. Kalki 2898 AD was declared the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, while Captain Miller received the award for Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values.
Dholi won the Best Garhwali Film, IMBU was named Best Tulu Film and Angen received the award for the Best Debut Film of a Director. “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. The glittering ceremony attended by top talents of the film industry was held at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), near the Statue of Unity. The move departed from recent tradition of holding the ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital. The President also called for greater dignity and social security of workers, including assistants, small artistes and those struggling to establish themselves in the industry. Actors Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor in a Leading Role award for Bramayugam and Chandu Champion, respectively. The awards also recognised films in languages outside the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
A true star is the one who spreads light, not darkness,” Murmu said, while addressing the 72nd National Film Awards that were presented in Gujarat. “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,” she said.
