New Delhi: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented the prestigious 70th National Film Awards in a grand ceremony held in New Delhi today. Recognizing excellence in various categories of Indian cinema, the awards celebrated the diversity and creativity of the country’s film industry. A highlight of the event was the conferring of the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for 2022 to veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, honoring his remarkable contribution to Indian cinema over nearly five decades.
In her address, President Murmu praised Indian films for reflecting the artistic and cultural values of society. “Life is changing. The standards of art are changing. New aspirations are arising. New problems are emerging. Amidst all these changes, the unchanging values of love, compassion, and service are still making our individual and collective lives meaningful,” she said. She noted that these timeless values were evident in the films honored at the awards.
President Murmu also highlighted the sheer scale and diversity of Indian cinema, noting that it is the largest film industry in the world, producing films in multiple languages and from all regions of the country. She extended her congratulations to all the award winners and commended the film industry’s role in shaping Indian culture.
Congratulating Mithun Chakraborty on receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award, the President lauded his versatility and energy, noting that he has brought to life both serious and ordinary characters with great success. “In his artistic journey of almost five decades, Mithun ji has not only portrayed serious characters on screen but has also portrayed with success many ordinary stories with his unique energy,” she said.
The President also reflected on the diversity of Indian cinema, emphasizing that the films honored at the awards, though made in different languages and cultural contexts, all represent the spirit and essence of India. She called these films a “treasure trove of experiences of Indian society,” bringing to life the richness of Indian traditions and their diversity.
President Murmu further remarked on the powerful role of films and social media in influencing societal change. She acknowledged that these mediums have a greater impact in raising awareness and fostering understanding than any other platform. However, she expressed concern about the underrepresentation of women in the film industry, noting that out of more than 85 awards distributed, only 15 were received by women. She urged the industry to make more efforts toward women-led development.