Actor and former MP Paresh Rawal has firmly backed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s decision to host the 72nd National Film Awards in Kevadia, Gujarat, calling out critics for complaining about shifting t…

Actor and former MP Paresh Rawal has firmly backed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s decision to host the 72nd National Film Awards in Kevadia, Gujarat, calling out critics for complaining about shifting the event from Delhi.The event is taking place on September 22 near the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, making a big change in the custom by shifting the awards away from Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi.Speaking to ANI, the Hera Pheri actor shut down critics from the film industry and politics, making the case that big national events ought to move around from state to state instead of always being confined to Delhi.”Is Gujarat in Bangladesh or Pakistan? It is also a part of our own country. Why shouldn’t this event be held in Gujarat? Events should be held in Gujarat too… I say such events should take place in every state. There is nothing wrong with that,” said Paresh Rawal.Are National Film Awards losing credibility? Critics question political influenceDismissing the political pressure over the ministry’s announcement, he added, “Politics ka toh kaam hai sawal uthana.”The backlash started earlier this week after filmmakers like Rahul Dholakia spoke out online. He pointedly asked why the event was heading to Gujarat instead of established film powerhouses like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala or Telangana if it was leaving Delhi.Defending the decision, government officials pointed out that moving the event beyond New Delhi reflects the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” by celebrating national achievements at iconic cultural destinations.President Droupadi Murmu will present the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar on September 22.Heading this year’s winners list, Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) and Mammootty (Bramayugam) will jointly receive Best Actor, while Yami Gautam earned Best Actress for Article 370, which also won the Best Feature Film. Rounding out the top honours also includes Randeep Hooda, who bagged the Best Debut Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.This shift marks the first time in over 50 years that the event moved outside the capital, with past exceptions including the 17th and 18th editions held in Chennai in 1970 and 1971. Moving forward, the government intends to host subsequent editions across different states to champion regional film industries.

Source: Deccan Herald