Paresh Rawal Defends 72nd National Film Awards Venue in Gujarat
Bharatmorning.com – Paresh Rawal defends 72nd National Film Awards being held in Gujarat rather than New Delhi, saying there is no reason a national cultural event cannot be hosted outside the capital. The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony is scheduled for September 22 at Ekta Nagar in the Kevadia area of Gujarat.
The actor supported the decision to take the ceremony to a different part of India, stressing that Gujarat is as much a part of the country as any other state. He also said such events should eventually be held across India.
“Is Gujarat in Bangladesh or Pakistan? It is also a part of our own country. Why shouldn’t this event be held in Gujarat? Events should be held in Gujarat too… I say such events should take place in every state. There is nothing wrong with that…”
For many years, the National Film Awards function was traditionally organised in New Delhi. The Ministry’s decision to host the event in Gujarat follows a broader approach of taking national celebrations to different regions under the idea of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” meaning One India, Best India.
Why the Gujarat Venue Has Drawn Attention
Paresh Rawal defends 72nd National Film Awards venue change as a way to make major cultural occasions accessible beyond Delhi. The move places filmmakers, actors, technicians and writers from across the country at a national gathering outside the capital.
Instituted in 1954, the National Film Awards are among India’s leading honours for cinema. They recognise achievement in feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema, reflecting the breadth of filmmaking across Indian languages and regions.
The awards have acknowledged films made in languages including Marathi, Santhali, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Tulu and Garhwali. Hosting the ceremony in Gujarat underlines the national character of an event that celebrates creative work from throughout India.
Key Winners at the 72nd National Film Awards
Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan will jointly receive the Best Actor in a Leading Role honour. Mammootty has been recognised for Bramayugam, while Kartik Aaryan will be honoured for Chandu Champion.
Yami Gautam will receive the Best Actress in a Leading Role award for Article 370. The film has also been named Best Feature Film. Randeep Hooda will receive the Best Debut Director honour for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.
In the non-feature categories, Bhangaar has been selected as Best Non-Feature Film and Ram-Nami as Best Documentary. A Santhali film will also receive recognition in the Non-Feature Film section for the first time.
Other films set to receive honours include Kalki 2898 AD, Amaran, Pushpa: The Rule Part-02, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Stree 2, highlighting the awards’ recognition of popular, creative and technical contributions to Indian cinema.
Recognition Beyond Films and Performances
The National Film Awards also honour writing and criticism. Sanjeev Shrivastava has been named Best Film Critic in the Best Writing on Cinema category.
The Best Book on Cinema award will go to Naaniruvude Nimagaagi Naadiruvude Nanagaagi: Kannada Cinemada Thathva matthu Rajakeeya, written by Dr. Pradeep Kenchanuru and published by Mirror Pusthaka. Its English translation is I Stand for You, the State Stands for Us: Political and Philosophical Dimensions of Kannada Cinema.
FAQ: 72nd National Film Awards in Gujarat
Where will the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony be held? The ceremony is scheduled to take place at Ekta Nagar in the Kevadia area of Gujarat on September 22.
Why did Paresh Rawal support the Gujarat venue? Paresh Rawal defends 72nd National Film Awards being held in Gujarat because he believes national events should be hosted in different states, rather than being confined to New Delhi.
Who won Best Actor at the 72nd National Film Awards? Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan jointly won Best Actor in a Leading Role for Bramayugam and Chandu Champion, respectively.