Prez confers 64th National Film Awards, says Film Awards represent a microcosm of India
03 May, New Delhi
Lauding Indian films, President Pranab Mukherjee Wednesay said despite the diversity in the Indian film industry, it conveys the common message of universal brotherhood, tolerance, cooperation and co-existence.
Speaking after conferring the 64th national film awards at a function in Vigyan Bhawan, the President said the 64th National Film Awards represented a microcosm of India which celebrated the diversity of languages, customs, religions and culture.
”India has more than 200 languages, 7 major religions and 3 major ethnic groups. Yet, India’s huge population lives under one system and one Constitution. Indian cinema reflects this underlying unity of our diverse nation. Like the diversity of life, there might be diversity in the Indian film industry, however it conveys the common message of universal brotherhood, tolerance, cooperation and co-existence. Cinema sends across the broader message of humanity and the best of Indian cinema has received the recognition of the nation today. Indians can be argumentative but not intolerant as there is no place for an intolerant Indian in our civilizational ethos and culture. Indian cinema has not forgotten to convey this message to the people”, the President said at the awards function, which was attended by Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu and minister of state for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore.
While appreciating the Government’s initiative of creating a Film Promotion Fund, the President said that initiative would promote and motivate talented independent filmmakers to promote their work across the globe in various International Film Festivals.
At the function, the President conferred this year’s Dada Saheb Phalke award to Kasinadhuni Viswanath, a renowned film director and actor, for his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
A presenter of classical and traditional art, music and dance, K Viswanath had been a guiding force in the Indian film industry.The President also conferred Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar with the Best male actor award for his film ‘Rustom’ and Best actor award female to Surabhi Lakshmi for ‘Minnaminungu’.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Information and Broadcasting M Venkaiah Naidu said that Indian cinema had remarkably showcased the vast richness of our cultural diversity, our beautiful landscapes, languages and had been a great unifying force in promoting national integration. He also called upon all the stakeholders to reflect on the creative, constructive and meaningful engagement through the medium of cinema. ”Care and caution should be taken while depicting stories of tragedy,” he said.
Naidu, while complementing the film industry, stated that they had set their mind on delivering excellence and promoting societal values. ”The film industry should join hands to facilitate mission MODI (Making of Developed India) due to the strong influence of cinema on our society and its values,”Naidu said..
He mentioned that the movies that had won the awards focus on a variety of issues and themes ranging from discrimination, love, historical relationships and relevant social challenges. He added that the National Film Awards showcases our capacity to set standards and to recognise the efforts of Indian filmmakers and artists who achieve heights.
Speaking about the Films as a medium of communication, Naidu said it was the most beautiful form of expression that encompassed a multitude of visual arts such as music, dance and drama. It was also a medium through which contemporary socio- economic, political and cultural issues of individuals and society are showcased. ”The language of cinema is a universal one. It has been a powerful tool to reach out to people transcending the boundaries in society,”he said.
Naidu also congratulated the jury chairpersons and their teams who have brought out the best of Indian cinema under one roof. A huge accolade greeted Vishwanath as he received the Phalke award from the President. The awards for Akshay, who was accompanied by his wife Twinkle Khanna and his son, and Surabhi were also greeted with applause . The Best Director award was conferred on Rajesh Mapuskar for the film ‘Ventilator’.