‘Why In Gujarat?’: ‘Raees’ Director Rahul Dholakia Questions National Film Awards Venue Change
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Filmmaker Rahul Dholakia has questioned the decision to move the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony from its traditional venue in Delhi to Kevadia (Ekta Nagar), Gujarat. The prestigious awards will be held on September 22, marking the first time the ceremony is being organised outside the national capital.
Dholakia, who won a National Award for his 2005 film Parzania, questioned why states and cities with a long history of contributing to Indian cinema were not considered for the event.
Rahul Dholakia Questions Venue Choice
Dholakia raised the issue on social media, asking why the ceremony was moved to Gujarat when other major film centres such as Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Hyderabad could also have been considered.
The filmmaker has a connection with Gujarat. He won the National Award in 2007 for Parzania, which was based on the 2002 Gujarat riots, and later shot Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Raees in the state.
However, Dholakia pointed out that Ahmedabad is Gujarat’s main film hub, while the National Film Awards ceremony is being held in Kevadia, a destination best known for the Statue of Unity.
Statue Of Unity To Host National Film Awards
Kevadia, now known as Ekta Nagar, has emerged as a major tourist destination following the inauguration of the Statue of Unity in 2018.
The venue will now host one of India’s most prestigious film award ceremonies, bringing the national spotlight to Gujarat’s tourism and cultural landscape.
Article 370, Yami Gautam Among This Year’s Winners
The 72nd National Film Awards will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu on September 22.
According to the award announcements, Aditya Suhas Jambhale’s Article 370 has been named Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam has won the Best Actress award.
The Best Actor award has been shared by Mammootty and Karthik Aaryan. Randeep Hooda has been honoured as Best Debut Director, while Kalki 2898 AD has won the award for Best Popular Entertainment Film.
The decision to hold the ceremony outside Delhi has sparked discussion about the future venues and wider significance of the National Film Awards.
