President Droupadi Murmu presented screen icon Waheeda Rehman with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award and honoured other winners of the 69th National Film Awards, including popular stars Allu Arjun, Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon.
The National Film Awards, celebrating the best in cinema for the year 2021, were announced in August. Murmu stated during the ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan that cinema is not simply a commercial and entertainment industry.
'Films are the most effective medium to spread awareness and sensitivity. Meaningful films depict the achievements as well as the problems of the society and the country,' the president said in her speech.
'The film fraternity gives us a vivid introduction to the diverse reality of Indian society through their films. Cinema is both a document of our society and a medium to improve it. Cinema artists are agents of change. They provide information about the country and connect citizens,' she added.
The president congratulated Waheeda on getting the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and said that because to her talent and charisma, the actor had attained the highest level in the movie business. Waheeda, 85, dedicated the award to her 'dear film industry' and its various departments.
While Arjun won the best actor award for the Telugu film 'Pushpa: The Rise', the best actress honour was shared by Alia and Kriti for Hindi films 'Gangubai Kathaiwadi' and 'Mimi', respectively. This is the first National Award for all three actors.