At the 69th National Film Awards, a constellation of remarkable women achievers illuminated Indian cinema. From veteran actresses to young talents, their contributions and triumphs continue to inspire and influence the industry.
On the 17th of October 2023, New Delhi became the stage for the grand celebration of Indian cinema's excellence and diversity during the 69th National Film Awards. The prestigious awards ceremony, presided over by President Droupadi Murmu, bestowed honour upon the finest films, actors, directors, technicians, and writers of 2021.
In a momentous gathering, the event recognized and saluted the remarkable contributions that had illuminated the silver screen and touched the hearts of audiences across the nation.
Amid the glittering constellation of talent that adorned the 69th National Film Awards, the remarkable women achievers left an indelible mark, casting their brilliance across the cinematic firmament.
Let’s take a look at the women award winners and their achieves.
Waheeda Rehman, Dadasaheb Phalke Award
The legendary actress, who has graced the silver screen with her grace and charm for over six decades, received the highest honour of Indian cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. The award was conferred on her by President Murmu for her outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
Waheeda Rehman, who has acted in iconic films such as Pyaasa, Guide, Kaagaz Ke Phool, and Chaudhvin Ka Chand, expressed her gratitude and humility for receiving the award and dedicated it to her fans and well-wishers.
Alia Bhatt & Kriti Sanon, Best Actress
The two young actresses shared the Best Actress award for their remarkable performances in Gangubai Kathiawadi and Mimi, respectively.
Alia Bhatt portrayed the titular role of Gangubai Kathiawadi, a powerful brothel owner and matriarch in Mumbai's Kamathipura area. She impressed the critics and audiences with her nuanced and fearless portrayal of a woman who rose from being a victim of trafficking to a leader of her community.
Kriti Sanon played the role of Mimi Rathore, a surrogate mother who faces various challenges and dilemmas during her pregnancy. She delivered a convincing and emotional performance of a woman who undergoes a transformation from being a carefree girl to a responsible mother.
Pallavi Joshi, Best Supporting Actress
The veteran actor received the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in The Kashmir Files. She played the role of Suraiya Hyder, a Kashmiri Pandit woman who narrates her ordeal of being forced to leave her homeland during the exodus of 1990. She gave a powerful and poignant performance of a woman who suffers from trauma and loss but also displays courage and resilience.
Utkarshini Vashishtha, Best Dialogue Writer
The duo of Utkarshini Vashishtha & Prakash Kapadia won the Best Dialogue Writer award for Gangubai Kathiawadi. They crafted powerful and impactful dialogues that captured the essence and emotions of the characters and the story. They also used authentic language and dialects to create a realistic and immersive experience for the viewers.
Shreya Ghoshal, Best Female Playback Singer
The melodious singer bagged the Best Female Playback Singer award for her soulful performance of Teri Mitti from Kesari. The song, which was composed by Arko Pravo Mukherjee and written by Manoj Muntashir, was a tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their motherland. Shreya Ghoshal's voice added depth and emotion to the song, making it a memorable and moving anthem.
Preetisheel Singh, Best Makeup
The talented makeup artist won the Best Makeup award for Gangubai Kathiawadi. She transformed Alia Bhatt into Gangubai Kathiawadi with her skilful use of prosthetics, wigs, lenses, and cosmetics. She also created different looks for Alia Bhatt according to the different phases of Gangubai's life.
Veera Kapur, Best Costume Designer
The ace costume designer won the Best Costume Designer award for Sardar Udham. She designed authentic and realistic costumes for Vicky Kaushal and other actors who played the roles of freedom fighters during the pre-independence era. She also researched extensively on the historical and cultural aspects of the period to create accurate and appropriate costumes.
Suruchi Sharma, Best Production Sound Recordist
The filmmaker bagged the Best Production Sound Recordist award for her work in Aise Hee. She recorded and mixed the sound for the film, which revolves around an elderly woman who decides to live life on her own terms after her husband's death. She captured the sounds of Varanasi's streets, temples, ghats, and homes with clarity and precision.
These remarkable women, victorious at the 69th National Film Awards, stand as living testaments to the inviolable truth that women can not only succeed but also thrive in every facet of the cinematic world. Their artistic prowess has illuminated screens and hearts, crafting narratives that inspire and impact. Through their tireless dedication, they've unfurled a resplendent flag of encouragement for fellow women to pursue their dreams with unwavering self-belief and resilience.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations for their well-earned triumphs and fervently wish them a future adorned with even greater achievements and boundless glory.
