President gives away film awards; actor Waheeda Rehman gets Phalke Award

The prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award was conferred on veteran Bollywood actor Waheeda Rehman

President Droupadi Murmu gave away the National Film Awards for the year 2021 under various categories at the 69th edition of the ceremony on Tuesday. The prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award was conferred on veteran Bollywood actor Waheeda Rehman.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said Ms. Rehman had established herself at the pinnacle of the film industry with her art and personality. Even in her personal life, she had made her mark as a woman of dignity, self-confidence and originality. She set an example that women themselves should also take the initiative for women empowerment.

Ms. Murmu also congratulated the other awardees. She said the award ceremony painted a picture of diversity of India and the unity inherent in it.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur said: “Today nothing is regional, if the content is good, regional content will find the global audience.” He said the government stood shoulder to shoulder with the industry in its efforts to counter movie piracy and it had brought the Cinematograph Act, which was a big step in curbing the menace.

Among those present at the event were Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting L. Murugan and I&B Secretary Apurva Chandra.

S.S. Rajamouli’s blockbuster RRR took away six awards and Gangubai Kathiawadi by Sanjay Leela Bhansali bagged in five categories at the 69th National Film Awards for the year 2021 announced on Thursday. Rocketry: The Nambi Effect got the award for the best feature film, while the best actor award went to Allu Arjun for Pushpa (The Rise Part 1).

Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon shared the Best Actress Award for Gangubai Kathiawadi and Mimi, respectively.