President Droupadi Murmu has urged popular film personalities to be careful about the products they promote, particularly those that could harm public health. Speaking at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, Murmu said celebrities have a strong influence on children and young people and should use that reach responsibly.

The President presented the National Film Awards for 2024 across various categories at a ceremony held at Ekta Nagar, near the Statue of Unity. Several prominent names from the Indian film industry attended the event.

Droupadi Murmu’s message to film stars

Addressing the gathering, Murmu highlighted how the public often follows the lifestyle choices of successful actors and other popular artists.

“When successful artists speak about the benefits of a disciplined lifestyle, millions of children and young people emulate them. I urge popular artists not to endorse products that are harmful to people’s health. A true star is the one who spreads light, not darkness,” Murmu said.

Her remarks focused on the wider influence of film personalities beyond their work on screen. She pointed out that the words and actions of well-known artists can have a strong effect on younger audiences.

President calls for more women on award juries

Murmu also spoke about the representation of women in the committees responsible for selecting films for the National Film Awards.

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She called for greater participation of women in the regional juries and said their perspectives could contribute to a broader approach to decision-making.

“I would like to see women’s participation ensured in every regional jury,” she said. The President noted that several women were among the award recipients at the ceremony. She also stressed the importance of including women’s viewpoints across different fields.

“incorporating the female perspective in any field makes it possible to form a holistic human outlook”.

Murmu highlights welfare of film workers

The President also appealed to the film industry to pay greater attention to the people working behind the scenes.

She called for respect and social security for workers, small-scale artists, assistants and others who contribute to India’s creative economy.

Many of these professionals work to establish themselves in the industry, making their contribution an important part of the larger film ecosystem.

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The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony brought together leading figures from Indian cinema, with Murmu using the occasion to highlight responsible endorsements, wider representation of women and better support for workers across the creative sector.