President Murmu Calls On Cinema Icons To Use Their Influence Responsibly

President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on September 22, recognising achievements in Indian cinema for 2024.

During her address, President Murmu pointed to the ability of popular film personalities to shape public behaviour, particularly among younger audiences.

She said, “Extremely popular Film artistes have the huge power to influence the people of the country, especially the youth. When popular film stars talk about the importance of a disciplined lifestyle, people sit up and take notice. The people follow them. I would like to request the biggest stars of India to refrain from endorsing anything that may prove to be harmful to the body. The job of a star is to spread light”.

The President also called for more women to participate in the decision-making process for the National Film Awards.

She said, “A majority of artistes honoured today include women. Hence, the jury panel should also include women in the decision-making. It’s imperative to accommodate the perspective of a woman in every aspect of life”.

Attention to Creative Industry Workers

President Murmu also drew attention to people working behind the scenes and at different levels of the creative sector.

She stressed that senior members of the industry should remain sensitive to the contribution of labourers, assistants, smaller artistes and aspiring professionals.

She said, “You are all the representatives of the creative economy. I would request all of you to take care of labourers, small artistes, assistants, and even strugglers who make a huge chunk of the creative economy so that they get social security and respect”.

President Murmu also referred to her earlier appeal for greater recognition of workers who operate at the lower levels of the industry.

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