'Pakistan mein hai?': Paresh Rawal defends National Awards's Gujarat move
What's the story
Actor Paresh Rawal has defended the decision to hold the National Film Awards (NFA) 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. Speaking to ANI, he said, "Gujarat kya Bangladesh mein hai, Pakistan mein hai? Gujarat toh hamare desh ka hi hissa hai (Is Gujarat in Bangladesh? Is it in Pakistan? Gujarat is very much a part of our country)."
Political controversy
'Politics ka toh kaam hai sawal uthana'
When asked about the political debate surrounding the move, Rawal was dismissive.
He said, "Politics ka toh kaam hai sawal uthana (Politicians will only raise questions)."
"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)."
Venue change
National Film Awards moving out of Delhi
The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony will be held in Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22, breaking the awards' long association with Delhi.
President Droupadi Murmu will present the honors at the ceremony.
While Delhi has been the usual host, this isn't the first time that the National Film Awards have traveled outside of it.
The 17th edition of the awards was held in Chennai in 1971.
Venue significance
Ekta Nagar is home to Statue of Unity
Kevadia, now known as Ekta Nagar, is home to the Statue of Unity, a 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 in 1954 was held at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan, and since then most editions have been hosted there.
Award winners
A look at winners of 72nd National Film Awards
The 72nd National Film Awards were announced in July.
Article 370 won 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 honor for Bramayugam and Chandu Champion, respectively.
Randeep Hooda won Best Debut Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, his biopic on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.