President Droupadi Murmu appealed to popular film personalities to refrain from promoting products that may pose a risk to public health, highlighting the strong influence celebrities have on young people. Speaking at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Gujarat, she said leading actors and artists can shape the behaviour of millions through their words and actions. She stressed that a “true star” should spread light rather than darkness.
Murmu said popular film artists have enormous potential to influence people across the country, particularly the younger generation. She noted that when successful celebrities promote disciplined and healthy lifestyles, millions of children and young people are likely to follow their example. She therefore urged well-known artists to avoid endorsing products that could be harmful to people's health.
Women in jury panel
Murmu also advocated for stronger representation of women on the juries responsible for selecting films for the National Film Awards. She said she wanted women's participation to be ensured in every regional jury, pointing out that several women had also been recognised with awards at the ceremony.
She said including women in such panels was important because their perspectives could contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of different fields and issues.
The remarks come as Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff have faced scrutiny over their involvement in a Pan Masala advertisement. Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe issued notices to the three actors. Mundhe said that although the public may regard Shah Rukh, Ajay and Tiger as stars, the FDA considers them advertisers when they participate in such promotions.
Social security of small artists
During her address, Murmu also urged the film industry to protect the dignity and provide social security to workers, lesser-known artists, assistants and others who contribute to the creative economy while trying to build careers in the industry.
She called for workers, small-scale artists, assistants and those struggling to establish themselves to be treated with respect and provided social security for their contributions to the sector.
Murmu recalled that during the previous National Film Awards ceremony, she had urged the industry to make respect and sensitivity towards every member of a film crew an essential part of its workplace culture.
Earlier in the day, veteran actor Anant Nag was presented with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to Indian cinema. Randeep Hooda won the Best Debut Film of a Director award at the 72nd National Film Awards for his biographical drama Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.
Yami Gautam won the Best Actor award for Article 370, while Kartik Aaryan was recognised for Chandu Champion. Mammootty also received his fourth National Film Award on Tuesday for his performance in Bramayugam.
