70th National Film Awards: Manoj Bajpayee, Mithun Chakraborty, AR Rahman, Rishab Shetty Among the Big Winners

The 70th National Film Awards, held on October 8, 2024, in New Delhi, celebrated excellence in Indian cinema, honoring the best films and talents of 2022. The ceremony, organized at Vigyan Bhavan, brought together prominent names from across the industry, from legendary actors like Sharmila Tagore and Mithun Chakraborty to young, dynamic talents such as Rishab Shetty. This year’s awards were not only a celebration of artistic achievement but a tribute to the enduring spirit of Indian cinema.

Manoj Bajpayee Shines with Gulmohar

Manoj Bajpayee, one of the most critically acclaimed actors in India, was honored with a special mention for his performance in Gulmohar. Directed by Rahul V Chittella, Gulmohar received widespread recognition, including the Best Hindi Feature Film award and Best Dialogues. Bajpayee’s portrayal of a complex character in a family drama that explores generational conflict and familial ties further solidified his reputation as an actor who excels in nuanced roles.

Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, who returned to the big screen after 13 years with Gulmohar, expressed her excitement during the event. “I played the role of a matriarch, and the director defined it so beautifully. I am here to cheer for Rahul Chittella—it’s his first film, and he deserves this recognition,” she said on the red carpet.

Rishab Shetty Wins Best Actor for Kantara

One of the evening’s most talked-about winners was Rishab Shetty, who took home the Best Actor award for his powerhouse performance in Kantara. Shetty’s portrayal of a man caught between tradition and modernity captivated audiences, making Kantara a standout film of 2022. The actor arrived at the event in traditional attire, sharing the limelight with his wife, Pragathi Shetty, who accompanied him in a stunning purple saree. Shetty’s win further underscores the rising prominence of regional cinema, particularly from the Kannada film industry, which has been gaining national attention.

Mithun Chakraborty Honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award

The highest honor in Indian cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, was presented to veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, known for his versatility and long-standing contribution to Indian cinema. Despite nursing an injury, Chakraborty attended the event, arriving with an arm brace. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am still processing this big achievement. I can only thank God for repaying me for all the difficulties I faced.”

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the crowning achievement of a career that has spanned decades, with Chakraborty starring in numerous iconic films that have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.

AR Rahman Wins Seventh National Film Award

Renowned composer AR Rahman added yet another accolade to his illustrious career, winning his seventh National Award for the background score in Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1. Rahman’s evocative compositions have long been a staple of Indian cinema, and his latest work on the historical epic was no exception, drawing critical acclaim for its intricate melodies and emotional depth.

Rahman, always a crowd favorite, was seen engaging with fans at the event, taking selfies and celebrating his latest achievement with characteristic humility.

Sooraj Barjatya and Neena Gupta Bag Awards for Uunchai

Uunchai, directed by Sooraj Barjatya, was another big winner at the 70th National Film Awards. Barjatya took home the Best Director award for the film, which also earned Neena Gupta the Best Supporting Actress accolade. Uunchai is a heartwarming tale of friendship, adventure, and perseverance, set against the backdrop of the Himalayas. Gupta’s performance as a strong-willed woman who supports her friends in their quest for adventure was widely praised.

Barjatya, known for his ability to weave emotional and uplifting stories, spoke of the challenges of filming in extreme conditions. “From taking the crew to high altitudes, organizing choppers, to walking for hours and building stairs and roads—everything posed a challenge. But the team delivered exceptional work,” Barjatya remarked.

More Big Winners: Nithya Menen, Manasi Parekh, and Pawan Malhotra

The Best Actress category saw a tie between Nithya Menen for her role in Tiruchitrabalam and Manasi Parekh for her performance in Kutch Express. Both actresses delivered standout performances, each exploring themes of love, identity, and resilience.

Pawan Malhotra won the Best Supporting Actor award for his portrayal of a dedicated military officer in Fouji, a film that examines the lives of soldiers and their families. His performance was lauded for its emotional depth and authenticity.

Glamour and Star Power on Display

As expected, the 70th National Film Awards were not only a celebration of talent but also a showcase of glamour. Stars such as Manoj Bajpayee, AR Rahman, and Sharmila Tagore graced the event with elegance and style. Bajpayee arrived with his wife Shabana Raza, both sporting traditional Indian attire. Rahman’s presence added to the festivities as he happily interacted with fans and fellow artists.

Karan Johar, a prominent figure in Bollywood, was also seen in attendance alongside director Ayan Mukerji, who won for Brahmastra. The film bagged awards for Best Male Playback Singer, with Arijit Singh taking home the prize for his hit track Kesariya, as well as Best Visual Effects.

A Bright Future for Indian Cinema

The 70th National Film Awards highlighted not only the achievements of the past year but also the bright future of Indian cinema. With regional films gaining more recognition and new talents emerging across the country, the diversity and dynamism of Indian filmmaking are on full display.

From the emotionally charged stories like Gulmohar to the epic grandeur of Ponniyin Selvan, the 70th National Film Awards exemplified the depth and range of Indian cinema today. As filmmaker Shoojit Sircar noted, “The Indian cinema industry is full of extraordinary makers, technicians, and performers. These moments of recognition are special and much deserved.”