President Droupadi Murmu is in Gujarat for the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony. She will present the prestigious awards at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia on September 22, 2026.
The ceremony marks a major change in the history of the National Film Awards. For the first time in more than seven decades, the event is taking place outside New Delhi.
President Murmu Attends Award Ceremony
President Murmu reached Gujarat as part of her three-day visit from September 21 to 23. The President will attend the National Film Awards ceremony at Ekta Nagar on September 22.
The event will bring together filmmakers, actors, technicians and other members of the Indian film industry. The awards will recognise achievements in Indian cinema during 2024.
The ceremony will take place against the backdrop of the Statue of Unity. The venue adds a distinctive setting to one of India’s major film events.
National Film Awards Move Beyond Delhi
The 72nd edition marks a new chapter for the National Film Awards. The ceremony has traditionally taken place in New Delhi.
This year, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken the event to Ekta Nagar in Gujarat. The ministry has also announced plans to hold future editions in different states and cities.
The move aims to take the celebration of Indian cinema closer to different parts of the country. It also highlights India’s diverse regional film traditions.
Anant Nag to Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag will receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024. The President will confer the honour during the ceremony.
The government announced his selection on September 16. Nag has enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades.
He has worked in several Indian languages and has appeared in more than 300 films. His work also includes the popular television series Malgudi Days.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award remains the highest honour in Indian cinema. It recognises an individual’s outstanding contribution to the field.
Major Films and Artists to Receive Honours
Several leading films and performers will receive recognition at this year’s ceremony.
Article 370 has won the Best Feature Film award. Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan have been selected for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Yami Gautam will receive the Best Actress in a Leading Role award for Article 370. Randeep Hooda has been selected for the Best Debut Director award for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.
Other films, including Kalki 2898 AD, Amaran, Pushpa: The Rule Part-02, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Stree 2, will also receive honours in different categories.
Celebrating Indian Cinema’s Diversity
The National Film Awards recognise achievements across several areas of filmmaking. These include feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema.
The awards also highlight India’s linguistic and cultural diversity. Filmmakers from different regions contribute to the country’s wide-ranging cinematic tradition.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting says the awards encourage creative and technical excellence. They also promote appreciation of cinema as an art form.
Awards Recognise 2024 Achievements
The 72nd National Film Awards honour work released and recognised for the year 2024. The winners were announced on July 18, 2026.
Juries evaluated entries across different categories before announcing the winners. The awards cover both creative and technical contributions to Indian cinema.
The ceremony now brings together the winners in Gujarat for the formal presentation of the honours.
President’s Gujarat Visit Continues
President Murmu’s Gujarat visit will continue after the film awards ceremony. On September 23, she will attend the 75th annual convocation of Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in Vadodara.
She will also participate in programmes organised by the Brahma Kumaris in Vadodara. Her three-day visit will conclude on September 23.
The visit therefore includes both cultural and educational engagements.
A New Journey for the National Film Awards
The decision to move the ceremony outside Delhi has given the 72nd National Film Awards a distinct character. Ekta Nagar provides a new venue for the national celebration of cinema.
The government plans to continue taking the ceremony to different states and cities. This approach can give more regions an opportunity to host the national film community.
The 2026 ceremony thus combines recognition of Indian cinema with a broader effort to take the National Film Awards across the country. President Murmu’s presence at Ekta Nagar will mark the formal presentation of the honours and the beginning of this new phase for the awards.