NEW DELHI: The National Film Awards were presented today but protests over the President handing over the honour to only a select set of winners cast a shadow over the 65th edition of the highest Government recognition for the film industry with many of the recipients staying away.
In a departure from tradition, the function, held at Vigyan Bhavan, was divided into two phases. The first set of awards was conferred by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani and the Minister of State Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.
The second lot, which included posthumous recognitions for Vinod Khanna and Sridevi (Dadasaheb Phalke and Best Actress respectively), was presented by President Ram Nath Kovind.
“We will miss them forever,” the President said in his speech.
The murmurs of discontent over the new practice under which the President was not going to present the awards to each of the winners began to gain ground during the rehearsal of the ceremony yesterday when the winners were informed about the change.
Traditionally, the President gives away all the National Film Awards. (AGENCIES)
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