Vadodara (Gujarat) [India], September 22 (ANI): Actress and jury member Gopi Desai, along with Odisha MP Rabindra Narayan Behera, film producer Captain Rahul Bali, and BJP MP Haribhai Patel, voiced their support for the 72nd edition of the National Film Awards being held in Kevadia, Gujarat, after arriving at Vadodara Airport.

The officials praised the decision to host this esteemed awards ceremony outside of New Delhi for the first time, with many noting it as a significant move towards promoting national events in various regions and highlighting the Statue of Unity and Ekta Nagar as sites of national significance.

Desai conveyed her excitement about the event taking place in Gujarat and proposed that future ceremonies should alternate locations across different states. “I am very excited, because for years we have been going to Delhi. When we ourselves won National Awards, our film received two awards, we received them in Delhi as well. So initially, hearing that it is not being held in Delhi but somewhere else felt a bit unusual. But then we found out it is in Kevadia, which is a wonderful thing,” she remarked.

She continued, “Perhaps every year it should be held in different places, in Kashmir, in the South, in Trivandrum. It shouldn’t be confined to just one fixed place like Delhi was. That way, all states can benefit from it.”

Rabindra Narayan Behera expressed anticipation for the ceremony near the Statue of Unity, stating, “Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will also be attending. Many film producers and award winners will be present. It is going to be a wonderful event, and we are all going to enjoy it… It is wonderful that, for the first time, such an event is being held outside Delhi at the Statue of Unity.”

On the significance of the ceremony’s new location, Behera commented, “This reflects Modi ji’s vision. He looks at all of India; he views the entire Bharat as one. He believes, why hold it only in Delhi at Rashtrapati Bhavan? Distribute it across regions. It is great that for the first time outside Delhi, it is being held at the Statue of Unity.”

Film producer Captain Rahul Bali shared his hope for more film-related events in the area, stating, “I am overjoyed that the National Film Awards are being held there for the first time. I would urge the Government, Modi ji, and everyone that more such events should be hosted here, and Bollywood should be invited.” He encouraged filmmakers to utilize the location for their projects. “I will definitely make an effort myself, and I will also urge all my Bollywood friends, to soon shoot a film, short film, or project at the Statue of Unity so that the world realizes what a monumental landmark has been created,” he added.

Bali expressed his enthusiasm for the location’s filmmaking potential, saying, “From the pictures I have seen, I am extremely excited and looking forward to it. I have full confidence… For outdoor shoots, from what I’ve seen, it looks spectacular.”

BJP MP Haribhai Patel deemed the event a moment of pride for Gujarat. “Today in Gujarat, at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, the National Film Awards ceremony is being held. This is a matter of great joy for Gujarat,” Patel stated.

He emphasized the importance of the venue, saying, “Kevadia, Ekta Nagar, and the Statue of Unity represent a monumental place that sends out the message of national unity… There are picturesque spots for outdoor film shoots, the Narmada Dam, and various distinct locations around Kevadia.” Patel concluded by affirming that hosting this prestigious ceremony in Gujarat is a significant honor and a cause for celebration among the local populace.

The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony is set to occur in Kevadia, Gujarat, on Tuesday, marking a notable occasion in Indian cinema.

Established in 1954, the National Film Awards are recognized as one of the highest honors in Indian cinema, celebrating excellence across feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema, encompassing a diverse array of languages and regions.

President Droupadi Murmu will present awards recognizing outstanding achievements in Indian cinema for the year 2024.

Kevadia is renowned for the 182-meter Statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, often referred to as the Iron Man of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world’s tallest statue, the ‘Statue of Unity’, on October 31, 2018.