'True star spreads light': President Murmu urges film stars not to endorse products harmful to health
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday urged popular film artists to refrain from endorsing products that could be harmful to people's health, highlighting the strong influence celebrities have on young audiences.
Speaking at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, President Murmu said popular film stars have the ability to influence millions of people, particularly children and young people.
"When successful artists speak about the benefits of a disciplined lifestyle, millions of children and young people emulate them," Murmu said. She urged leading stars not to endorse products that may adversely affect people's health, adding that a true star should "spread light, not darkness."
Murmu calls for greater representation of women
The President also called for increased participation of women in the juries that select winners for the National Film Awards.
Murmu said she would like to see women's participation ensured in every regional jury. She pointed out that several women had received honours at the ceremony and said including women's perspectives in decision-making could contribute to a more holistic outlook.
Murmu also appealed to leading members of the film industry to ensure dignity and social security for workers, small-scale artists, assistants and others working behind the scenes.
She said those at the lower levels of the creative economy contribute significantly to the industry and should receive respect and social security. The President had made a similar appeal at the previous National Film Awards ceremony, urging the industry to make respect and sensitivity towards every member of a film crew part of its work culture.
72nd National Film Awards
The 72nd National Film Awards, recognising cinematic achievements for 2024, were held at Ekta Nagar near the Statue of Unity. It marked the first time the prestigious awards ceremony was held outside New Delhi.
Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024. Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor award, while Yami Gautam was honoured as Best Actress. Article 370
Murmu also praised the quality of Indian cinema and expressed confidence that films from the country would set world-class benchmarks in the future.