Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has publicly defended the decision to host the 72nd National Film Awards in Gujarat, dismissing suggestions that moving the ceremony out of Delhi is controversial and asserting that the state is an integral part of India. The awards are scheduled to be presented by President Droupadi Murmu in Kevadia on September 22, officials have said.
Rawal rejects criticism, frames issue as non-political
Responding to the debate over the venue change, Rawal questioned the basis of the objections, according to an ANI report. He argued that Gujarat is unquestionably part of the nation and therefore a legitimate host for a major national function. When asked about political overtones to the controversy, the actor characterised such objections as routine politicking rather than a substantive problem.
“Gujarat kya Bangladesh mein hai, Pakistan mein hai? Gujarat toh hamare desh ka hi hissa hai. Gujarat mein zaroor hona chahiye,”
He added — as reported by ANI — that politicians will always raise questions, and suggested that national events should not be confined to the national capital, noting that while the Republic Day parade is held in Delhi, other national-level functions can be held across states.
Details of the ceremony and historical context
The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony will take place in Kevadia (also known as Ekta Nagar), a town best known for the Statue of Unity. Officials reported that President Murmu will personally present the honours. The relocation to Gujarat marks a break from decades of tradition: the awards have customarily been held in Delhi since the inaugural ceremony in 1954, with the last instance of an away-from-Delhi ceremony being the 17th edition in Chennai in 1971, the reports said.
The awards announced in July recognised a range of films and performances, with Article 370 named Best Feature Film and Yami Gautam receiving the Best Actress award. The Best Actor honour for the edition was shared between Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan, according to the published results.
Public reaction and political questioning
The choice of Kevadia has prompted questions from some quarters about the rationale and timing of the shift. Critics have sought clarification on why the ceremony, traditionally hosted in the capital, is being relocated. Supporters of the move and figures such as Rawal counter that decentralising national cultural events can broaden access and recognition beyond Delhi.
- Event: 72nd National Film Awards ceremony
- Date: 22 September
- Venue: Kevadia (Ekta Nagar), Gujarat
- Presenter: President Droupadi Murmu
Observers note that while shifting venues for national ceremonies is not unprecedented, it is uncommon; the last time the National Film Awards were held outside Delhi was more than five decades ago. The conversation has therefore become not only about logistics but also about symbolism and cultural geography.
Rawal's remarks — framed as a straightforward rebuttal to critics — are likely to broaden the public debate. Supporters of hosting national events across different states say such moves can help decentralise cultural recognition, while opponents continue to question the timing and intent behind specific venue choices.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Ceremony | 72nd National Film Awards |
| Date | 22 September |
| Venue | Kevadia (Ekta Nagar), Gujarat |
| Presenter | President Droupadi Murmu |
As preparations proceed in Kevadia, the debate over venue selection underscores wider conversations about how national cultural events are organised and the balance between tradition and decentralisation. The awards ceremony itself will affirm this year's winners and provide a focal point for those discussions when dignitaries gather later this month.
