The 69th National Film Awards, a prestigious event like every year, was held on October 17 at the Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the awards to the winners. Allu Arjun received the Best Actor award for his incredible performance in the 2021 film, Pushpa: The Rise. Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon were jointly awarded the Best Actress award. Alia won for her outstanding performance in Gangubai Kathiawadi and Kriti for Mimi. Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest award for film geniuses.
South actor Allu Arjun became the first Telugu actor to receive the Best Actor Award at the National Film Awards. “I am extremely happy that I am receiving this award, like we are receiving for a commercial film. It is a double achievement for me,” Allu Arjun said after receiving the award.
Pictures from the ceremony show the happy faces of the Indian actors. Ranbir Kapoor looked proud as he held Alia’s medal and the couple were seen posing happily. The National Film Awards also recognized the enthralling film RRR by awarding it the Best Popular Film, providing wholesome entertainment. Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli, RRR captivated audiences with its gripping storyline and visual brilliance, deserving the recognition it received. Pankaj Tripathi, a versatile actor known for his impeccable performances, was acknowledged with the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in Mimi.
Fashion takes center stage
Kriti Sanon exuded elegance in an exquisite ivory handloom saree designed by the renowned Manish Malhotra. While Alia Bhatt wore her Sabyasachi-designed wedding saree on the occasion. Alia even shared a post on Instagram reasoning why she had worn her wedding dress at the award ceremony. “A special day calls for a special outfit. And sometimes that outfit is already there. What’s special once can be special again and again,” read her story. Waheeda Rehman looked graceful and elegant in her gorgeous cream saree and stunning green jewelry. She became emotional while receiving the honor and thanked the entire film industry in her speech. “I want to share this award with all departments of the film industry. One person cannot make an entire film, it’s a collective effort.”
It was a coincidence that all the National Award winners, Waheeda Rehman, Alia Bhatt, Kriti Sanon, and even Allu Arjun wore creamish or off-white tones. With fashion taking center stage and a subtle yet striking coincidence in outfit choices, the National Film Awards 2023 will be remembered as a glorious celebration of Indian cinema’s finest.
By Ishita Ganguly
