Paresh Rawal Defends Gujarat National Awards Venue Amid Political Controversy
Paresh Rawal responds to criticism over Gujarat hosting the ceremony.
Actor Paresh Rawal has defended the decision to hold the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Gujarat instead of Delhi, amid a political row over the change in venue. The ceremony is scheduled to take place in Kevadia, now known as Ekta Nagar, on September 22, with President Droupadi Murmu set to present the honours.
Responding to questions about the controversy, Paresh Rawal told news agency ANI that Gujarat is an integral part of India and argued that there was no reason to object to the state hosting the national ceremony. “Gujarat kya Bangladesh mein hai, Pakistan mein hai? Gujarat toh hamare desh ka hi hissa hai,” he said, adding that the awards should be held in different states as well.
The actor also addressed the political debate surrounding the venue change, saying that questioning decisions is part of politics. Paresh Rawal compared the situation with national events that have traditionally been associated with Delhi and argued that important functions should also have opportunities to take place across different parts of the country.
The move marks a departure from the usual practice of holding the National Film Awards ceremony in Delhi, particularly at Vigyan Bhawan. The first National Awards ceremony was held there in 1954, and most subsequent editions were conducted in the national capital. However, there have been exceptions, including the 17th National Film Awards ceremony, which was held in Chennai in 1971.
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Kevadia, renamed Ekta Nagar, is home to the Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The monument, standing at 597 feet, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 and has since become a major landmark in Gujarat. The choice of the location therefore places the awards ceremony at a prominent national monument.
The 72nd National Film Awards were announced in July, with several major honours going to prominent films and actors. Article 370 was named Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam won Best Actress. Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor award for Bramayugam and Chandu Champion, respectively. Randeep Hooda won Best Debut Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, while Kalki 2898 AD was named Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
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