Vidit Sharma at the 72nd National Film Awards – From President Murmu Ji’s message on cinema & youth to a memorable encounter with Mammootty Ji at the Statue of Unity
A two-day celebration of Indian cinema, national recognition, youth responsibility and the power of stories – at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.
AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT | 25th SEPTEMBER 2026 | Vidit Sharma, Youth Ambassador – Government of Gujarat, witnessed a landmark chapter in Indian cinema by attending the 72nd National Film Awards Ceremony on 22 September 2026 at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, in the gracious presence of Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji.
The ceremony brought the country’s finest cinematic talent together in Gujarat and marked a significant historic shift for the National Film Awards, being held outside New Delhi for the first time in decades at Ekta Nagar. The 72nd edition recognized outstanding cinematic achievements certified in the year 2024.
The occasion was further enriched by the presence of Hon’ble Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat Ji, and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel Ji, highlighting Gujarat’s growing role as a national destination for major cultural events under the framework of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
PRESIDENT MURMU JI’S MESSAGE: CINEMA IS NOT JUST ENTERTAINMENT – IT CARRIES RESPONSIBILITY
For Vidit Sharma, one of the most significant takeaways of the evening came from Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji, who underscored the profound influence successful film personalities hold over children and the younger generation.
The President explicitly emphasized that filmmaking is fundamentally a collaborative enterprise, urging award recipients to acknowledge every technician and team member whose collective labor brought their visions to life. She also appealed to the creative fraternity to serve as positive role models by encouraging healthy lifestyles and avoiding the glamorization of harmful substances.
“President Ma’am’s message deeply resonated with me. Cinema has the power to influence generations. With that influence comes responsibility. A film can entertain, but it can also create awareness, inspire hope, shape conversations and leave a positive impact on society. As someone working closely with young people and mental-health and anti-addiction awareness, I found this message especially meaningful.”
This official counsel aligns closely with Vidit Sharma’s active public advocacy focusing on youth mental-health awareness, anti-substance abuse initiatives, and constructive peer communication.
GUJARAT’S VISION: CINEMA AS A PILLAR OF NATIONAL SOFT POWER
Governor Acharya Devvrat Ji highlighted the invaluable role of Indian cinema in enriching the nation’s linguistic and cultural tapestry, urging filmmakers to propagate values of environmental consciousness, social harmony, and national unity.
Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel Ji welcomed the President and the film fraternity to the state, defining cinema as a dynamic mirror of society and a robust instrument of India’s global soft power.
Reflecting on these leadership addresses, Vidit Sharma stated: “Gujarat hosting the National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar is much more than a prestigious event. It is a beautiful meeting point of India’s cinema, culture, tourism and national identity. The messages of our Hon’ble Governor and Hon’ble Chief Minister reinforce how powerful cinema can be in taking India’s values and stories to the world.”
BHUSHAN KUMAR JI & T-SERIES: CELEBRATING A NATIONAL HONOUR
Vidit Sharma extended warm congratulations to Shri Bhushan Kumar Ji, Chairman & Managing Director of T-Series, alongside director Tushar Hiranandani, following the National Film Award victory of Srikanth as Best Hindi Film.
“Heartiest congratulations to Bhushan Kumar Ji and the entire T-Series family on this prestigious National Award. T-Series has become an extraordinary part of India’s music and cinema journey, taking Indian content from our country to audiences across the world. Bhushan Ji’s contribution as a producer and his continued vision for Indian entertainment have made a significant impact on the industry. It was an honour to witness this national recognition.”
EVERY NATIONAL AWARD IS A VICTORY FOR A TEAM
Emphasizing the President’s note on collaborative creation, Vidit Sharma noted that individual accolades represent the unseen work of a vast creative community:
“A National Award may be received by one or a few representatives on stage, but behind that moment is an entire universe of people. Producers, directors, actors, writers, cinematographers, musicians, editors, technicians, assistants and countless professionals contribute their talent, time and hard work. Every person is responsible for making a film what it ultimately becomes. So when a film wins a National Award, the entire team wins.”
RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE: MAMMOOTTY JI & KARTIK AARYAN
Vidit Sharma congratulated veteran superstar Mammootty Ji for Bramayugam and Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion, who were jointly honored with the National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He commended both actors and their respective production teams for raising the benchmark of cinematic excellence.
APPRECIATION FOR NFDC LEADERSHIP
Acknowledging institutional growth under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Vidit Sharma expressed appreciation for Shri G. Krishna Kumar Ji, Chairman of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC):
“My sincere appreciation and best wishes to Krishna Kumar Ji. NFDC has an important responsibility in strengthening India’s cinematic ecosystem, supporting filmmakers and creating platforms through which Indian stories can reach wider audiences. The scale and diversity of the National Film Awards reflect the depth of India’s creative talent. I congratulate Krishna Kumar Ji and the entire NFDC ecosystem for their contribution to this larger journey of Indian cinema.”
23 SEPTEMBER: FROM NATIONAL CINEMA TO THE STATUE OF UNITY
The commemoration extended into 23 September 2026, with Vidit Sharma visiting the monumental Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar alongside Mammootty Ji. This encounter bridged cinematic brilliance with a towering national monument symbolizing collective strength and integration.
“From witnessing the 72nd National Film Awards in the gracious presence of Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji to visiting the Statue of Unity with Mammootty Ji the following day, these two days will remain extremely special. I feel grateful for the opportunity to witness Indian cinema being celebrated in Gujarat and to share these memorable moments with such extraordinary personalities.”
A MOMENT THAT CONNECTED CINEMA, YOUTH & INDIA
Instituted in 1954, the National Film Awards continue to stand as the premier benchmark for artistic achievement, celebrating India’s multicultural ethos. Vidit Sharma’s participation in this historic Gujarat chapter merges youth advocacy with active engagement in the national cultural dialogue.
“Cinema creates memories. Cinema creates conversations. And when used responsibly, cinema has the power to create change.”
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