President Pratibha Patil presents 57th national film awards
New Delhi:President Pratibha Patil presented D Ramanaidu, a veteran producer with 130 films in a dozen languages, the Dada Saheb Phalke award for his outstanding contribution to cinema while superstar Amitabh Bachchan received the
best actor award for his role in 'Paa' here on Friday at the 57th national film awards presentation function. Ananya Chatterjee received the best actress award for her role
in Abohoman. Rituparno Ghosh for his Bengali film Abohoman received the award
for best direction. Malayalam Movie Kutty Shrank received best movie award for
the year, while 3 Idiots received the
best Film award for wholesome entertainment. Rakesh Omprakash Mehra received
the
Nargis Dutt award for best feature film on National Integration Dehli 6. Farooq
Shaikh received the award for the best actor in Supporting Role for the film Lahore.
Arundhati Nag received the best actress award in supporting role for film Paa.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said, "The Indian Film Industry is considered
to be the largest in the world, producing over a thousand films a year in the different
languages of the country. I am glad to learn that films from Kashmir to Kanyakumari
and from Mumbai to Manipur are represented here through their regional cinema.
These films bring to the fore the talent that exists across the country, as well as the
richness and the vastness of our culture. Cinema is a very potent medium for
conveying a message and it has become an important factor in influencing social
norms. Cinema operates within the context of a social scenario and, thus, has a stake
in the stability, prosperity and progress of society. Therefore, all involved in the film
industry should consider themselves as social leaders and as stakeholders in the
welfare of people. Striking a balance between entertainment and social relevance is
an essential call for the industry and the response will define its role in society.
We are the inheritors of this great civilization, whose legacy has been passed on from
generation to generation and must continue to inspire the youth - the future
generation, on whom it will fall to carry on these traditions."
