The National Film Awards have highlighted and celebrated the outstanding achievements of female artists and filmmakers. The ceremony saw a parade of talented women being honoured for their contributions, from the legendary Waheeda Rehman receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke award to Shreya Ghoshal's recognition as the best playback singer and Preeti Sheel Singh D'Souza's accolade for the best makeup. This acknowledgement of women's remarkable work underscores the industry's commitment to recognizing and celebrating its female talents.
President Draupadi Murmu shared insightful perspectives during the event, emphasizing the importance of creatively portraying strong female characters in films. She recognized that the portrayal of powerful and inspirational women on screen not only entertains but also generates awareness and sensitivity towards women's issues. By highlighting such characters, the film industry plays a crucial role in shaping societal perceptions and inspiring change.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, commended the incredible accomplishments of women across various fields, applauding their significant contributions. He acknowledged the pivotal role of women in driving progress in the industry and the nation. In particular, he expressed his appreciation for the profound and enduring impact of films that feature strong female leads.
The legendary Waheeda Rehman, while accepting her award, spoke graciously about her journey and the collaborative spirit of the film industry. She humbly acknowledged the support and respect she has received from numerous talented professionals across different departments of filmmaking, from directors and producers to technicians, writers, and music directors. She emphasized that filmmaking is a collective effort and that recognition is a shared honour.
Kriti Sanon, Allu Arjun, Karan Johar, SS Rajamouli, Shoojit Sircar, Pankaj Tripathi, and others expressed their elation and gratitude for being recognized by the National Film Awards. They spoke about the significance of these awards in their careers and the film industry's growth. Nikhil Mahajan, who received the award for best direction, found the moment surreal, and Bhavin Rabbi, the youngest winner, expressed pride in making his family and community proud through his accomplishments.
The 69th National Film Awards, with their emphasis on recognizing the remarkable contributions of women and the celebration of authentic storytelling, serve as a testament to the industry's growth and resilience. These awards spotlight the growing role of Indian cinema on the global stage and the continued pursuit of quality and excellence in filmmaking.
