The National Film Awards have long been associated with Delhi, where the country’s biggest names from cinema have gathered to celebrate some of the year’s finest work. This year, however, the prestigious ceremony is heading somewhere new, giving the 72nd edition a distinctly different setting.
The awards ceremony will be held in Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar on September 22, marking the first time in the history of the National Film Awards that the event will take place outside Delhi. The development, reported by PTI, marks a major change from the ceremony’s decades-old tradition.
President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to present the honours during her visit to Gujarat later this month, officials said on Monday. Ekta Nagar, formerly known as Kevadia, is best
known as the home of the Statue of Unity, one of Gujarat’s most prominent landmarks and the world’s tallest statue.
The National Film Awards were first presented in 1954. Over the years, Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan became the familiar venue for the ceremony, hosting most editions of the prestigious awards. The decision to take the 72nd edition to Gujarat therefore makes this year’s event a notable departure from the established format.
Ekta Nagar’s connection to the Statue of Unity will also add a prominent landmark to this year’s celebrations. The 597-foot monument is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.
The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards were announced in July, with several prominent names from Indian cinema making it to the list. Article 370 was named Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam received the Best Actress honour for her performance in the film.
Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan will jointly receive the Best Actor award for their performances in Bramayugam and Chandu Champion, respectively. Randeep Hooda has been recognised as Best Debut Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.
Meanwhile, Kalki 2898 AD has been selected for the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment award.
/images/ppid_59c68470-image-178876256845045977.webp)
