For the first time, the National Film Awards moved beyond New Delhi, with Gujarat’s Statue of Unity providing the backdrop for the 72nd edition. President Droupadi Murmu presented the honours on Tuesday, celebrating films certified in 2024 and 92 winners across categories. Niharika Konidela, Priyanka Dutt, Yami Gautam and Kartik Aaryan share what the national honour meant to them
‘For Vyjayanthi Movies, this is another cherished chapter in a journey spanning decades’
For Vyjayanthi Movies, this is another cherished chapter in a journey spanning decades — one rooted in the belief that cinema is about dreaming big, taking chances and telling stories that stay with audiences. Winning the National Award for Kalki 2898 AD is an immensely proud moment for all of us. From the beginning, Nag Ashwin brought a uniquely imaginative vision to the film. The dedication and creativity of our cast and crew made it possible to build a world that audiences could embrace. To be honoured with two National Awards is a significant milestone for everyone associated with Kalki.”
— Priyanka Dutt on winning National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for Kalki 2898 AD
‘journey was painful, but result is as sweet as rasmalai!’
I am looking back affectionately, with a smile, at that ‘mama’s boy’ from Gwalior who dared to dream of becoming an actor in an environment where such dreams were laughed at. I will always be grateful and indebted to Kabir Khan sir, and Sajid Nadiadwala sir, for trusting me with the responsibility of playing India’s first Paralympic gold medallist, Murlikant Petkar sir. The journey was extremely painful, but the result is as sweet as rasmalai! I would like to dedicate my National Award to every Paralympian in the country.”
— Kartik Aaryan on his “
first-ever National Film Award for Best Actor for Chandu Champion
‘Every journey reminds you to never give up’
Receiving the National Award for Article 370 is an honour I will cherish for the rest of my life. For fourteen years, I have simply tried to stay true to my craft, work with honesty and let my performances speak for themselves. This honour feels like the culmination of a journey filled with hope, perseverance, resilience and an unwavering love for cinema. It is a dream I have carried in my heart for years and today, I receive it with immense gratitude and humility.”
— Yami Gautham on winning the
National Film Award for Best Actor for Article 370
‘My thunder was stolen’
When your thunder is stolen and you don’t mind it… And as I always say, with my heart full of gratitude, this is for my fans... the pillars of my strength.”
— After winning two prestigious honors, actor-filmmaker Dhanush
shared photos on Insta alongside his sons, Yatra and Linga.
‘It was like a borrowed manifestation for me’
I’m elated and very happy. It was two extreme and opposite emotions. When I first heard the announcement, I was shocked. It was a great feeling. Then, when we discovered that we had won a second award for the film, for makeup, I was just on top of the world. But when I went to collect the award from the President, I was very calm and settled inside. For Vamsee, all of this is exactly because of his manifestation. When he had written Committee Kurrollu, his WhatsApp status was ‘National Film Awards 2026’, and has never removed it in the last six years. It was like a borrowed manifestation for me. My dad also received a National Award 36 years ago for Rudraveena. When he saw my medal, he joked that his was bigger than mine. I’m grateful that good scripts are finding me.”
— Niharika Konidela on receiving the Rajat
Kamal for Best Telugu Film for Committee Kurrollu
‘Don’t endorse harmful products’
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday urged popular film artists not to endorse products harmful to people’s health, saying a “true star” spreads light, not darkness. She also highlighted the influence of celebrities’ words and actions on young minds.
Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards for 2024 across various categories at Ekta Nagar, near the Statue of Unity, at a glittering ceremony attended by leading personalities from the film industry. “When successful artists speak about the benefits of a disciplined lifestyle, millions of children and young people emulate them. I urge popular artists not to endorse products that are harmful to people’s health. A true star is the one who spreads light, not darkness,” Murmu said.
Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff have recently received show-cause notices from the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration over their association with a Vimal Elaichi advertisement. Several other stars, including Ranveer Singh, Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Deol, Mahesh Babu, and Preity Zinta, have also been associated with pan-masala ads over the years.
