President Honors Waheeda Rehman, Alia Bhatt, Allu Arjun at 69th National Film Awards
Screen legend Waheeda Rehman awarded Dadasaheb Phalke; Alia Bhatt, Allu Arjun, & others celebrated for their exceptional contributions
NEW-DELHI: In a grand ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu presented the eminent Dadasaheb Phalke Award to the iconic Waheeda Rehman, alongside acknowledging the exemplary achievements of several celebrated artists in the 69th National Film Awards.
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu emphasized that cinema transcends mere entertainment, shaping social awareness and sensitivities. She noted, "Meaningful films depict the achievements and challenges of society, making cinema a powerful tool for positive change." The president lauded the film fraternity for its diverse portrayals of Indian society, acting as agents of enlightenment and connection for citizens.
Waheeda Rehman, a venerable figure in the film industry, graciously accepted the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and dedicated it to the film industry and its various departments. Celebrations were heightened as popular stars, including Allu Arjun, Alia Bhatt, and Kriti Sanon, were recognized for their exceptional contributions, receiving the best actor and best actress awards for their respective films.
Alia Bhatt, elegantly clad in her ivory wedding saree, expressed her gratitude for the honor, capturing a heartfelt moment alongside her actor-husband Ranbir Kapoor. R. Madhavan, the accomplished actor-filmmaker, was recognized for the best feature film, 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect,' based on the inspiring life of Nambi Narayanan.
Pankaj Tripathi, honored with the best supporting actor award for 'Mimi,' expressed the significance of this recognition from the country. The awards ceremony further showcased outstanding works like 'Shershaah,' 'RRR,' 'Gandhi & Co,' 'The Kashmir Files,' and 'Sardar Udham,' exemplifying the diversity and depth of Indian cinema.
Notably, The 69th National Film Awards celebrated cinematic excellence, showcasing outstanding contributions that enrich the cultural tapestry of the nation. The awards served as a platform to honor exceptional talent, setting new standards and inspiring future generations within the Indian film industry.