PRESIDENT OF INDIA PRESENTS 69TH NATIONAL FILM AWARDS

Droupadi Murmu presented the 69^th National Film Awards in various categories in New Delhi today (October 17, 2023). She also conferred Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for the year 2021 on Ms Waheeda Rehman.

Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated Ms Waheeda Rehman for receiving Dadasaheb Phalke Award and said that she has reached the pinnacle of the film industry with her talent and personality. She has lived her personal life also with dignity, self-confidence and originality. She chose many such films in which her role broke the barriers associated with women. She has set an example that women themselves should take initiative for women empowerment.

The President noted that Pallavi Joshi, Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon, who have received awards for best acting, have played roles of empowered female characters in their films. She was happy to note that director Srishti Lakhera has depicted the fighting spirit of an 80 year old woman in her award winning film titled ‘Ek Tha Gaon’. She said that sympathetic and artistic portrayal of female characters would increase sensitivity and respect for women in the society.

The President was happy to note that the films which received awards this year have depicted issues like climate change, girls’ trafficking, oppression of women, corruption and social exploitation. She also noted that good films have been made on various subjects like tribal communities' love for nature and art, establishment of the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, fighting with indomitable spirit amidst adversities, transformative power of education and special achievements in the field of art and culture.

The President said that film is not just an industry. It is not limited to merely business and entertainment. Films are the most effective medium to spread awareness and sensitivity. Meaningful films depict the achievements as well as the problems of the society and the country.