Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has launched a scathing attack on critics questioning the decision to move the 72nd National Film Awards from Delhi to Gujarat, defending the state's right to host national events.
- The 72nd National Film Awards will be held in Kevadia, Gujarat, for the first time in history.
- Paresh Rawal defended the move, questioning why critics treat Gujarat as an outsider.
- MNS chief Raj Thackeray and filmmaker Rahul Dholakia have criticized the snubbing of Mumbai.
In a historic departure from tradition, the 72nd National Film Awards are set to be hosted in Kevadia, Gujarat, moving away from the national capital, Delhi. While the government views this as a step toward inclusivity, the decision has sparked a heated debate among policymakers and cinema veterans.
Adding fuel to the fire, acclaimed actor Paresh Rawal reacted strongly to the backlash. Defending Gujarat's role as a host, Rawal questioned the logic of the critics. He asked pointedly, 'Is Gujarat in Bangladesh or Pakistan? It is a part of our own country. Why shouldn't such events happen in Gujarat?' Rawal further suggested that national functions should be rotated across various states to foster a sense of unity.
The Core of the Conflict: Mumbai's Discontent
The controversy was ignited by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and filmmaker Rahul Dholakia. Thackeray questioned the motives behind the shift, arguing that if the venue was to be changed, Mumbai—the heart of the Indian film industry—should have been the primary choice. Dholakia echoed these sentiments, questioning why the state that contributed most to the growth of Indian cinema was being overlooked.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this clash highlights the ongoing friction between regionalist pride and the central government's effort to decentralize cultural power. By moving the event to 'Ekta Nagar', the government is attempting to align cinematic excellence with nationalistic symbolism, though it risks alienating the industry's traditional hub in Maharashtra.
"The shift of the National Awards to Gujarat is a symbolic move to redistribute cultural prestige beyond the Delhi-Mumbai axis."
The Ministry has stated that the decision is part of a larger policy to realize the vision of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'. Scheduled for September 22, the ceremony will honor Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty as joint winners for Best Actor, while 'Article 370' is slated to win Best Feature Film.
| Perspective | Primary Argument | Key Figures |
|---|---|---|
| Proponents | National Integration & Diversity | Paresh Rawal / Ministry |
| Critics | Neglect of Cinematic Hub (Mumbai) | Raj Thackeray / Rahul Dholakia |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Where will the 72nd National Film Awards be held?
A: The ceremony will take place in Kevadia (Ekta Nagar), Gujarat.
Q2: Who are the Best Actor winners for the 72nd awards?
A: Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty have been jointly awarded Best Actor in a Lead Role.
