The 70th National Film Awards ceremony was a star-studded event held today at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu felicitated some of the most celebrated talents in the Indian film industry. Acknowledging their immense contribution to cinema, prominent actors, musicians, and filmmakers took home prestigious awards, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema’s history.
One of the highest honors, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, was bestowed upon veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty for his invaluable contribution to Indian cinema over several decades. Known for his versatility and iconic roles across diverse film industries, Mithun expressed gratitude for receiving the recognition, calling it “a dream come true moment.”
Manoj Bajpayee and Rishab Shetty: Best Actor in Lead Role
Manoj Bajpayee, revered for his powerful performances, was awarded Best Actor in a Leading Role for his compelling performance in “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai.” His portrayal of a lawyer fighting for justice earned him wide acclaim and this prestigious accolade. Rishab Shetty, another standout performer, also received the Best Actor award for his outstanding portrayal in “Kantara,” a film deeply rooted in Indian folklore. The recognition of Rishab’s work highlighted his unique contribution to storytelling that resonates with the masses.
AR Rahman Shines Again for Music Direction
Legendary composer AR Rahman took home the Best Music Direction award (Background Score) for his incredible work in “Ponniyin Selvan-Part 1” (Tamil). The maestro, known for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, yet again proved his mettle with his soulful and powerful background score. Rahman’s music elevated the film’s epic narrative, cementing his place as a titan in Indian music.
Neena Gupta and Nithya Menen Recognized for Their Acting Prowess
In the acting category, veteran actress Neena Gupta was named the Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role in “Uunchai.” Her nuanced performance as a strong yet vulnerable character received widespread critical praise. In the leading actress category, Nithya Menen was honored with the Best Actress award for her role in “Thiruchitrambalam” (Tamil), where her portrayal of a relatable, everyday woman won over both the audience and critics.
Karan Johar, Pritam, and Sooraj R Barjatya: Cinematic Visionaries
Karan Johar, a name synonymous with grand cinematic experiences, was awarded the Best Film in the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) category for “Brahmastra.” The film’s groundbreaking use of visual effects and innovative storytelling earned it this unique recognition. Composer Pritam Chakraborty also took home the award for Best Music Direction (Background Music) for “Brahmastra,” further elevating the film’s audio-visual impact.
Sooraj R Barjatya was honored with the Best Direction award for his work on “Uunchai,” a heartwarming film about friendship and adventure. The veteran director, known for his family-centric films, received widespread acclaim for this venture, which deviated from his usual style but still connected emotionally with audiences.
Mithun Chakraborty Honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award
The most prestigious honor of the night, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, went to the legendary Mithun Chakraborty. Having ruled the Indian film industry for decades, Mithun’s contribution to the Indian film landscape is unparalleled. His portrayal of characters in both commercial and parallel cinema has earned him a place as one of India’s finest actors. Accepting the award, Mithun was visibly emotional, expressing his gratitude to his fans and the film fraternity for standing by him throughout his career.
Best Cinematography and Other Honours
In the technical categories, the Best Cinematography award was given to Siddharth Diwan for “Mono No Aware,” a film known for its striking visuals and unique narrative approach. The film’s innovative use of light and shadow set new benchmarks in Indian cinematography. Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, known for his distinct storytelling and directorial prowess, also took home a National Award, adding another accolade to his already illustrious career.
Sreepath P.K. was awarded Best Child Artist for his role in “Malikappuram,” further showcasing the depth of talent in Indian cinema, from veterans to rising stars.
The 70th National Film Awards recognized a blend of established legends and emerging talents, highlighting the diversity and richness of Indian cinema. From the powerful performances of actors like Manoj Bajpayee and Rishab Shetty to the musical genius of AR Rahman, the event underscored India’s continued cinematic evolution. As Mithun Chakraborty was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, it symbolized a passing of the torch to a new generation of actors, directors, and creators.
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