Is Gujarat in Pakistan?: Paresh Rawal's blunt defence of National Film Awards move

Actor Paresh Rawal has defended the decision to hold the National Film Awards ceremony in Gujarat. His remarks come as the venue shift from Delhi for the second time in 72 years triggered a row earlier this week.

In Short

• The National Film Awards moved from Delhi to Gujarat, sparking political debate
• Paresh Rawal defends move, says Gujarat is integral to India
• Rawal dismisses political questions as routine

The decision to take the National Film Awards ceremony out of its traditional Delhi home and move it to Gujarat has sparked a political row. But actor Paresh Rawal sees little controversy in the choice - and has a rather blunt question for those questioning it.

"Gujarat kya Bangladesh mein hai, Pakistan mein hai? Gujarat toh hamare desh ka hi hissa hai. Gujarat mein zaroor hona chahiye (Is Gujarat in Pakistan? Is it in Bangladesh? Gujarat is very much a part of our country)," Rawal told news agency ANI while commenting on the entire row.

Asked about the political debate surrounding the move, the actor was equally dismissive. "Politics ka toh kaam hai sawal uthana (Politicians will only raise questions)," he said.

Rawal went on to make the case for taking national events beyond the capital. "26 January ki parade Delhi mein hoti hai na? Toh har function har state mein hona chahiye (The 26 January parade takes place in Delhi. So every function should happen in every state)," he argued.

National Film Awards ceremony moves to Gujarat

The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony will be held in Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22, marking a break from the awards' long association with Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu will present the honours at the ceremony.

While Delhi has been the usual host, the National Film Awards have travelled outside the capital before. The 17th edition of the awards was held in Chennai in 1971.

Kevadia, now known as Ekta Nagar, is home to the Statue of Unity, the 597-foot monument dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The world's tallest statue was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.

The first National Film Awards ceremony, held in 1954, took place at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan. Since then, most editions have been held in the capital.

Who won at the 72nd National Film Awards?

The awards, announced in July, saw Article 370 win Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam was named Best Actress for her performance in the film.

Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan will share the Best Actor honour for Bramayugam and Chandu Champion, respectively.

Randeep Hooda won Best Debut Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, his biopic on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

Meanwhile, Kalki 2898 AD was named Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Arun Matheswaran's Captain Miller, starring Dhanush, won Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values.

With the ceremony now headed to Gujarat, the venue has become an unexpected talking point around this year's National Film Awards. And Paresh Rawal, for one, doesn't see the need for the controversy.

- Ends