New Delhi: President of India Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards at a function held at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, yesterday.

She also conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2024 upon veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

Accepting the award with humility, Anant Nag expressed gratitude for the people and experiences that shaped his journey.

Recalling his early years, the veteran actor said that he grew up in an ashram before being sent to Mumbai, where he got an opportunity to act in a play. Theatre became the foundation of his career and he went on to perform in around 50 plays before entering films.

He later had the opportunity to work in films, including those made by acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal.

Anant Nag said he consciously chose Kannada cinema and made Bengaluru his karmabhoomi. Recalling that he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan by the President last year, he expressed his deep gratitude for receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award from the President once again this year.

National Film Awards to move to top tourist destinations: The National Film Awards will now move beyond conventional venues and be hosted at some of the country’s best tourist destinations, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Tuesday, inviting States to propose destinations for the next edition.

Speaking to the media during the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, Vaishnaw said, “We are taking the National Film Awards to the best tourist destinations in the country, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji.”

He invited all States to submit proposals identifying their best tourism destinations for hosting the National Film Awards. The proposals, he said, should include adequate facilities and a comprehensive plan for the “360-degree development” of the proposed destination. The State whose proposal is selected will host a subsequent edition of the National Film Awards at the identified tourist destination.