The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest award in the field of cinema. It is presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony by the Directorate of Film Festivals, an organisation set up by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Presented first in 1969, the award was introduced by the Government of India to memorialize Dadasaheb Phalke’s contribution to Indian cinema. Phalke (1870–1944), who is popularly known as and often regarded as “the father of Indian cinema“, was an Indian filmmaker who directed India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra.
Tamil actor R Madhavan, who made his directorial debut with Rocketry, received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at a glittering awards ceremony held at the Vigyan Bhavan. Rocketry, which tells the story of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist Nambi Narayan’s arrest and acquittal from an espionage charge, marked the second year a Tamil film received the National Award for Best Picture.
Acting legend Waheeda Rehman, famous for her work received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for outstanding contribution to Indian cinema by President Murmu. In her thank you speech, the actress said, “I feel honoured and very humbled. But today where I stand, it’s all because of the lovely industry I have been a part of. Luckily, I got an opportunity to work with top directors, producers, filmmakers, technicians, and music directors, who supported me and showered me with lots of love and respect. Lastly, makeup artists and hair and costume designers also deserve a special mention. Hence, I want to share this award with all departments of the film industry. One person cannot make an entire film, it’s a collective effort.”
The Hindi film “Gangubai Kathiawadi” by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, based on the real-life story of Gangubai Harjeevandas, a sex worker in Mumbai’s Kamathipura, won five awards, including Best Actress for Alia Bhatt, who shared the award with Kriti Sanon for her role in the film “Mimi” by Laxman Utekar. “Gangubai Kathiawadi” also secured awards for Best Screenplay, Best Dialogue, Best Editing, and Best Make-up.
Telugu blockbuster “RRR,” which won the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Original Song, earned six National Awards, including Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. The awards included Best Music Direction, Best Male Playback Singer, Best Choreography, Best Special Effects, and Best Stunt Choreography.
“The Kashmir Files” was honored with the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration. Gujarati film “Chhello Show” won Best Gujarati Film and Best Child Artist. “Gandhi and Co.” claimed the Best Children’s Film prize.
The 69th National Film Awards were a remarkable celebration of Indian cinema, honouring excellence in both feature and non-feature films. From epic blockbusters to emotional regional cinema, the awards recognized the dedication, creativity, and talent of filmmakers and artists across the nation.