President presents 72nd National Film Awards; confers Dadasaheb Phalke Award on Anant Nag

President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, on 22 September 2026, and conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 on veteran actor Anant Nag for his contribution to Indian cinema. In her address, the President cited 'Article 370' as an account of challenges to the country's unity, the non-feature film 'Bhangaar', 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar' as a tribute to Veer Savarkar, 'Bhakshak' for raising awareness on women's safety, and the Santhali film 'Angen' for fostering cultural diversity. She called for ensured women's representation on every regional jury and urged film personalities to use their influence responsibly, including not endorsing products harmful to health.