The National Film Award is said to be the highest honor any artist receives in our country. National Awards have been appearing in the news due to some changes made to them. As per the changes, late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and actress Nargis Dutt’s names have been removed from the awards. Indira Gandhi’s name was attached to the best debut film and the Nargis Dutt Award was given to the best film on national integration. But these names were dropped and changes have been made to cash prices too.
The 28th National Film Award in 1980 was the first time when Indira Gandhi’s name was associated with a national award. Earlier, it was known as Best First Film of Director. To honor PM Indira Gandhi, her name was included in the award which was given with Suwarna Kamal (golden lotus) and Rs. 1.25 lakh. Last year it was conferred to Meppadiyan by Vishnu Mohan.
Nargis Dutt’s name was associated with this at the 13th National Film Award in 1965 for best feature film category. It was awarded with Rajat Kamal (silver lotus) and a cash prize of Rs. 50,000. Last year The Kashmir Files won this award.
These changes have been made to broaden the scope of criteria and to encourage filmmakers to make films of national and social relevance. The Nargis Dutt Award will be recognized as Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values and the Indira Gandhi award will be Best Debut Film of a Director only with cash prize of 2 lakh and 3 lakh respectively.
Also Read: Sajid Nadiadwala Talks About Divya Bharti And His Break-Up With Tabu