The 70th National Film Awards, held in New Delhi on October 8, 2024, was a spectacle of cinematic brilliance and star power. Celebrating the finest films of 2022, the event showcased India’s thriving film industry, with notable wins and high-profile appearances. Here’s a look at the evening’s highlights.
Manoj Bajpayee Graces with His Wife
Manoj Bajpayee, who was recognized for his role in Gulmohar, attended the ceremony with his wife, Shabana Raza. Bajpayee, looking elegant in a bandhgala, reflected his calm yet strong screen presence. His wife’s beige suit added grace to their appearance, making them a well-turned-out couple for the grand occasion.
Mithun Chakraborty Overcomes Injury to Accept Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty made a significant impression by attending the event despite a visible arm injury. Wearing an arm brace, Mithun accepted the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour in Indian cinema. His resilience and dedication to cinema were evident in his brief remarks, where he expressed gratitude for overcoming life’s challenges and for this great honour.
Big Wins and Musical Flair
AR Rahman once again demonstrated his musical genius, clinching his seventh National Film Award for the background score in Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1. Known for his humility, Rahman interacted warmly with fans, obliging selfies before entering the venue.
Karan Johar and Brahmastra Shine Bright
Karan Johar, alongside director Ayan Mukerji, proudly represented Brahmastra, which bagged multiple awards, including Best Male Playback Singer for Arijit Singh’s chartbuster “Kesariya” and Best VFX Film. Dressed in stylish ethnic wear, the duo exuded confidence as they acknowledged the technical triumphs of their magnum opus.
The Grace of Rishab Shetty and Pragathi Shetty
Kantara star Rishab Shetty was another showstopper, accompanied by his wife Pragathi Shetty. Dressed in traditional attire, the couple radiated elegance as Rishab was celebrated for his extraordinary performance and contribution to Indian cinema.
Neena Gupta and Sharmila Tagore: Icons of Elegance
Veteran actress Neena Gupta made heads turn in a bright pink saree as she arrived to collect the Best Supporting Actress award for Uunchai. Equally graceful was the legendary Sharmila Tagore, who kept her appearance simple yet classy in a salwar suit. Their poise was a testament to their stature in the industry.
Sooraj Barjatya’s Directorial Victory
Celebrated director Sooraj Barjatya took home the award for Best Director for Uunchai. Barjatya highlighted the challenges faced during the shoot, particularly filming at high altitudes. His speech was filled with gratitude toward the crew and cast who made the project a success.
The 70th National Film Awards once again exemplified the strength of Indian cinema. From Manoj Bajpayee’s stellar presence to Mithun Chakraborty’s triumphant spirit, it was a night of celebration, honouring the very best that the industry had to offer in 2022.
