Bollywood glitterati gather for India’s 69th National Film Awards

The 69th National Film Awards ceremony was held in Delhi on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, recognizing and honoring actors for their outstanding performance in Indian cinema.The President, Droupadi Murmu, who presented the award said that films are the most effective medium to spread awareness and sensitivity. The ceremony took place at the Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Also present was Union Minister Anurag Thakur.

From Alia Bhatt to Kriti Sanon, Pankaj Tripathi and Allu Arjun several others won the prestigious awards for their projects.

Actor Alia Bhatt was conferred with the Best Actress Award for her performance in the film ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ at the 69th National Film Awards.

On receiving the prestigious award, Alia Bhatt, who arrived at the ceremony along with her husband and actor Ranbir Kapoor, said, “It is a very big moment and I am very grateful.”

She won everyone’s hearts with her sartorial choice at the event as she marked her presence in the same saree that she wore during her wedding ceremony with Ranbir. She styled the saree in a different manner this time. Also, she tied her hair in a bun instead of keeping it open. She accessorized her hair bun with white flowers, and opted for subtle make-up that comprised defined brows, kohl-rimmed eyes, nude lips and a small red bindi, with a gold and pearl choker necklace.

Ranbir complemented her in a black bandhgala blazer.

Actor Kriti Sanon was also conferred with the Best Actress Award for her performance in the film ‘Mimi’.
Kriti arrived at the ceremony along with her parents, in a pastel saree.

Reacting to her win, Kriti said, “Just very very overwhelmed. I feel very blessed & grateful. It is a very special moment, especially for Mimi & also my parents were here watching me. I don’t think I’ve felt this before.”

Telugu star Allu Arjun was honored with the Best Actor Award at the 69th National Film Awards for his role in ‘Pushpa: The Rise – Part 1. This is Allu Arjun’s first National Award.

Actor Rakshit Shetty’s film ‘777 Charlie’ won the Best Kannada Film award. He received the award on behalf of team ‘777 Charlie’ from President Droupadi Murmu.

For the award ceremony, Shetty donned an all-black suit.

Actor Pankaj Tripathi received the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance in the film ‘Mimi’. Talking to ANI, Tripathi said, “There is hard work of whole team/unit behind any film. I am thankful to the jury for choosing me for this award… I dedicate this award to my father.”

Pallavi Joshi bagged the Best Supporting Actress award for her performance in the film ‘The Kashmir Files’. Talking to ANI, she said, “Whenever one receives a national award, it feels really good… My expectations are very high now regarding audience view, after the level of recognition that ‘The Kashmir Files’ subject has got.”
‘The Kashmir Files’ also won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration. Director Vivek Agnihotri received the award on behalf of the team.

Ace music composer MM Keeravani was felicitated with the National Award for the Best Background Score for director SS Rajamouli’s ‘RRR’.

Keeravani’s son Kaala Bhairava, too, won best playback singer for the song ‘Komuram Bheemudo’.

Filmmaker Karan Johar’s production ‘Shershaah’ starring Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani bagged the Special Jury Award.
Karan and director Vishnu Vardhan accepted the award on behalf of the team from President Droupadi Murmu.

Actor Sidharth Malhotra dropped a post and reacted to the film’s prestigious win.
He wrote, “Special Jury Award at the 69th National Film Awards for #Shershaah! The award received today is a tribute to hardwork, determination, and patriotism. Its significance will remain etched in my heart forever. Deep gratitude and respect to my entire team, and above all, to you for your constant support.”

Actor R Madhavan’s directorial project ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’ bagged the Best Feature Film at the 69th National Film Awards.

On receiving the award, Madhavan said, “I feel very happy and proud. It is a lovely award. It feels gratifying.”

Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award. She received a standing ovation as she went up to the stage to receive the award.
After the honor, the veteran actress, in a speech, said, “I feel very honored, very humbled. But the place where I am standing today is all because of my love for the film industry. Luckily, I got to work with the best directors, producers, technicians, writers, and music directors, and they all supported me. They gave me love and respect.”
A short video was also played at the ceremony that showcased Waheeda Rehman’s film work over the years. She attended the ceremony in a graceful cream saree. She looked extremely emotional when she received the honor.

Singer Shreya Ghoshal received the Best Female Playback Singer award for the song ‘Mayava Chayava’ from the Tamil film ‘Iravin Nizhal’. This marks Shreya’s fifth National Film Award.

Renowned music director Devi Sri Prasad won the Best Music Director Award for his composition in the Telugu blockbuster film ‘Pushpa: The Rise’.
On receiving the award, Devi Sri Prasad told ANI, “I will always be grateful to everyone. This is one of the most prestigious awards. It is the biggest dream of any artist. The dream has come true today.”