India’s 63rd National Film Awards light up with praise from president

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has praised the Indian film industry for ‘illuminating’ the lives of millions with films that reflect the country’s cultural diversity at the 63rd National Film Awards held in New Delhi.

“The Indian film industry has had its ups and downs but today, in all aspects, it has prospered and made its mark amidst national and international viewers,” said Mukherjee, 80, in a televised speech, adding that digitization and technical advancements have allowed the industry to flourish.

India now leads the world with the largest production of films globally, producing 1,300 movies annually, compared to 800 in the United States, according to the Filmmaking information portal.

Hundreds of Indian netizens on Wednesday also congratulated Indian actors Amitabh Bachchan and Kangana Ranaut on Twitter over their Best Actor and Best Actress accolades for roles in the emotional drama “Piku” and comedy “Tanu Weds Manu Returns”, respectively.

“Back now at 3.54am from Delhi and National Award! So humbled and touched for President of India to take my name in his speech!” tweeted the 70yearold Bollywood veteran Bachchan, gleeful over his fifth win at the National Film Awards.

Other recognized films included Best Feature Film for director S.S. Rajamouli and Best Popular Film for ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’, which stars the scandalsmeared Salman Khan, who recently faced trial for a 2002 hitandrun case in which he plowed into and killed several men sleeping outside a bakery.