President Droupadi Murmu Presents Prestigious 69th National Film Awards

New Delhi, October 17, 2023: In a glittering ceremony held today in New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu bestowed the esteemed National Film Awards for the year 2021 upon a talented array of artists and filmmakers, marking the 69th edition of this cinematic celebration. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the revered Dada Saheb Phalke Award to the legendary Waheeda Rehman, an icon of grace and empowerment in the world of cinema.

The prestigious gathering witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister of State for I&B, Dr. L. Murugan, and Secretary of the Ministry of I&B, Apurva Chandra, alongside Chairpersons of Jury and other luminaries from the film industry.

President Droupadi Murmu extended her heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Waheeda Rehman, lauding her exceptional contributions to the film industry. She commended Ms. Rehman’s portrayal of strong and distinctive female characters that defied societal norms and barriers, both on and off-screen. Ms. Rehman’s journey stands as a beacon for women’s empowerment, encouraging women to take the lead in forging their own destinies.

Addressing the significance of the National Film Awards, President Murmu emphasized that the ceremony paints a vivid picture of India’s rich diversity and the unity that underpins it. She highlighted that the talented individuals honored at the awards have artfully expressed the country’s multifaceted nature, encompassing various languages, regional identities, social issues, accomplishments, and challenges. In doing so, they have bridged the gaps between generations and classes, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared experiences.

She regarded the film fraternity and artists as change-makers, noting that their work not only captures the nuances of Indian society but also serves as a catalyst for societal improvement. President Murmu expressed confidence that in a nation brimming with talent, the cinema industry will continue to set global standards of excellence, playing a pivotal role in shaping a more developed India.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur expressed his pride in the Indian film industry, emphasizing that in today’s world, quality content knows no regional boundaries. He praised Ms. Waheeda Rehman, describing her as an international icon and congratulating her on receiving the distinguished Dada Saheb Phalke Award.

Minister Thakur reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating movie piracy, highlighting the significant step taken with the Cinematograph Act. He also spoke about the potential of the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector in India, revealing that a dedicated policy is in the works, aiming to position India as a global content hub.

Apurva Chandra, the Secretary of the Ministry of I&B, reflected on the challenges faced by the film industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, acknowledging the resilience displayed by the industry as it overcame difficulties. Chandra underlined the role of the Film Awards in celebrating cinematic quality, emphasizing that they honor excellence in the art form, irrespective of box office success.

The 69th National Film Awards recognize the immense talent and dedication of India’s film community, showcasing their achievements, and honoring those who have made exceptional contributions to Indian cinema.

For a complete list of award recipients, please visit this link.