The National Film Awards, for the first time, will be held outside Delhi. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has locked Gujarat as its venue for the 72nd ceremony. The awards will be presented by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on September 22 at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat. This decision led to scrutiny, with a section of people asking the purpose and need behind choosing Gujarat instead of India’s Financial Capital, Mumbai or Hyderabad. Now, Paresh Rawal has come out in defence of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Paresh Rawal supports decision to organise National Awards in Gujarat
Talking to ANI, Paresh said, “Is in Bangladesh or Pakistan? It is also a part of our own country. Why shouldn’t this event be held in Gujarat? Events should be held in Gujarat too. I say such events should take place in every state. There is nothing wrong with that.”
Paresh Rawal
National Awards to be held in various cities from this year
In an official statement, PIB wrote, “The ceremony will bring together filmmakers, actors, technicians and other artists from across the country to celebrate outstanding achievements in Indian cinema for the year 2024.”
The statement further read, “In a major policy initiative, it has been decided by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to hold in various parts of the country, taking it beyond the National Capital. The ceremony at Ekta Nagar this year will bring together cinematic talent from across India, embodying the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.”
Who will be honoured at National Awards 2026?
At the upcoming 72nd National Film Awards, Article 370 will be honoured as the Best Feature Film. Bhangaar has received the Best Non-Feature Film, whereas Ram-Nami was chosen as the Best Documentary by the Jury. Mammootty for Bramayugam and Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion will receive the Best Actor in a Leading Role award, whereas Yami Gautam will be honoured as Best Actress in a Leading Role for Article 370. Randeep Hooda will receive the Best Debut Director award for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.
All about National Awards 2026
As per ANI, the 75-minute event will be a grand affair. For the event, a German aluminium structural dome will be erected at the Statue of Unity Bus Bay area. Necessary infrastructure and other arrangements will be made at the venue, with seating capacity for approximately 1,000 guests.
A high-level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Narmada District Collector Ganga Singh to ensure the smooth and dignified organisation of this important national event. Detailed discussions were held on arrangements for the ceremony, security, protocol, arrival and departure of dignitaries, venue management and other related preparations. Necessary guidance was also provided to the concerned officials.
The national ceremony will be held against the magnificent backdrop of the world-famous Statue of Unity.