Waheeda Rehman Receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award

From Women Empowerment to Social Issues: 69th National Film Awards Honor Excellence and Sensitivity in Indian Cinema

69th National Film Awards presented by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi highlight the pivotal role of cinema in reflecting and shaping societal values and awareness.

DESK – The aura of talent, creativity, and excellence was palpable as President Droupadi Murmu presented the 69th National Film Awards in a grand ceremony held in New Delhi today, October 17, 2023.

Ms Waheeda Rehman was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for the year 2021, an accolade marking the zenith of a film career that has been influential in challenging societal norms around women.

President Murmu lauded the screen legend for her selection of empowering roles, noting her contributions to the broader agenda of women’s empowerment in India.

Alia Bhatt, Pallavi Joshi, and Kriti Sanon, all National Award winners for Best Acting, were also applauded by the President for their portrayals of strong female characters.

Srishti Lakhera’s ‘Ek Tha Gaon’, depicting the resilient spirit of an 80-year-old woman, won special praise for its sympathetic and artistic narrative.

Highlighting the socially conscious theme of this year’s awarded films, the President noted their focus on crucial subjects such as climate change, women’s oppression, corruption, and social exploitation.

According to her, cinema goes beyond entertainment; it’s a powerful tool for social awareness.

The President urged the film industry to be the carrier of India’s rich cultural tapestry, arguing that films encompassing social diversity would not only benefit society but would also achieve commercial success.

She ended by appreciating everyone involved in the award-winning films and expressed confidence that Indian cinema will continue to set global benchmarks, thus playing an essential role in building a developed India.