Waheeda Rehman conferred with Dadasaheb Phalke Award “She chose many films in which her roles broke the barriers associated with women. Waheedaji has set an example that women themselves should also take initiative for women empowerment,” President Droupadi Murmu said during her address at the 69th National Film Awards ceremony at New Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan.Indian Express Oct 17,2023

 

President Droupadi Murmu presents the Dadasaheb Phalke Award to Waheeda Rehman in the presence of Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur during the 69th National Film Awards at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on Tuesday. (Express Photo)

Calling screen icon Waheeda Rehman a trailblazer for refusing “to use any other name to work in films, even though it was a trend at that time, President Droupadi Murmu Tuesday conferred the ‘Chaudhvin Ka Chand’ and , ‘Guide’ actor with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, considered the highest national honour for contribution to films.

“She chose many films in which her roles broke the barriers associated with women. Waheedaji has set an example that women themselves should also take initiative for women empowerment,” Murmu said during her address at the 69th National Film Awards ceremony at New Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan.

“Sympathetic and artistic portrayal of female characters will increase sensitivity, respect for women,” the President said. Actors Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon received Best Actor (Female) Award for ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ and ‘Mimi’ respectively, while Allu Arjun bagged Best Actor (Male) for ‘Pushpa: The Rise’.

R Madhavan’s ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’, based on the life of ISRO former scientist Nambi Narayan, bagged the Best Feature Film award, while Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s biographical drama ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ also won the Best Screenplay (adapted) — written by Bhansali and Utkarshini Vashishtha — and the Best Dialogues Award for Vashishtha and Prakash Kapadia.

Bhansali, who was not there to receive the award, was also named the best editor for the film, while Preetisheel Singh D’souza won the award for best make-up artist. Actors Pankaj Tripathi and Pallavi Joshi received the best supporting actor awards for ‘Mimi’ and ‘The Kashmir Files’, respectively.

‘The Kashmir Files’ won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Film on National Integration. President made a special mention of ‘RRR’, which bagged several awards. Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Anurag Thakur, Mo S I&B L Murugan, and other senior officials were also present.