The Hon’ble President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today conferred National film awards for the year 2015 in various categories at the 63rd National Film Awards Function held at Vigyan Bhawan here. Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs, and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Arun Jaitley and MoS I&B Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion the President said that the Indian Films truly reflected the Indian character of Unity and Diversity. He complimented the composition of Award winners in the National Film Awards which included new comers as well as legends of Indian cinema. He said that the National Film Awards this year reflected all aspects of cinema including digitization and technology.

He further added that with a growing world audience who were attracted towards Indian films and an increasing presence of Indian films at different parts of the world, the overseas market possesses a great potential for the Indian film industry. It was heartening to note that the revenue from overseas theatricals witnessed an increase of 11.5 percent from Rs. 8.6 billion in 2014 to Rs. 9.6 billion in 2015. The President also spoke of the importance of films in context of variety and diversity of India and the important role it played in unifying the Nation.

The President also conferred this year’s Dada Saheb Phalke award to Shri Manoj Kumar. Shri Manoj Kumar is an Award-winning actor and director. He is remembered for his films Hariyali Aur Raasta, Woh Kaun Thi, Himalaya Ki God Mein, Do Badan, Upkaar, Patthar Ke Sanam, Neel Kamal, Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, and Kranti. He is known for acting in and directing films with patriotic themes.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Arun Jaitley, said that National Film Awards were truly national as they were selected by the most distinguished jury which objectively and dispassionately selected the very best from hundreds of entries in different categories. He said that the National Film Awards was a great platform to honour best talent in the country. Shri Jaitley further stated that it was a previlege to see the best of Indian Cinema this year which reflected India’s diversity, culture and also educated and entertained the masses. He said that golden era of Indian Cinema was yet to come.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Shri Ajay Mittal, Secretary, I&B said that over the years National Film Awards had been associated with the best of Indian Cinema. He further added that Government was committed to nurture and promote films as both art and industry in the nation. He also appreciated the hard work and efforts put up by the Jury members of the Feature Film, NonFeature Film and Best Writing on Cinema category.

A total of 21 Awards were given by the President in the Non-Feature film category while the number of awards in Feature Film category being 51. Three awards were given to Best Writing on Cinema. In the Feature Film category, the Award for the Best Feature Film was given to Baahubali produced by Shobu Yarlagadda and Arka Mediaworks Pvt Ltd. and directed by S.S Rajamouli. Masaan directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Phantom Films received the Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director. The Award for the Best Popular Film providing Wholesome Entertainment was given to Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Hindi) directed by Kabir Khan.

The Award for the Best Film on Social Issues has been given to Nirnayakam produced by Jairaj Films and directed by VK Prakash. The Award for the Best Director has been conferred on Shri Sanjay Leela Bansali for the Film Baajirao Mastani (Hindi). The Award for the Best Actor was conferred on Shri Amitabh Bachchan for the film Piku (Hindi) and the Award for the Best Actress was conferred on Ms. Kangana Ranaut for the film, Tanu weds Manu Returns (Hindi). The award for the Best Children’s Film was given to Duronto (Hindi) produced by Code Red Films. Master Gaurav Menon was conferred Award for Best Child Artist for movie Ben (Malayalam).

The Award for the Best Music direction (songs) has been conferred on M Jayachandran for Ennu Ninte Moideen (Malayalam) and the award for the best music direction (Background Score) was given to Ilaiyaraaja for Thaarai Thappattai (Tamil). The award for the best lyrics has been conferred on Varun Grover for the song Moh Moh ke Daage from the film Dum laga ke Haisa (Hindi). A special jury award has been conferred on Kalki Kochlin for the film Margarita with Straw. The award for the best choreography has been conferred on Remo D’Souza for the film Bajirao Mastani (Hindi).

In the Non-Feature Film category, ‘Amdavad Ma Famous’ produced by Akanksha Tewari & Arya A. Menon and directed by Hardik Mehta got the award for best non feature film. The Award for the Best Debut Film of a Director has been conferred to Nishantroy Bombarde for the film Daaravtha. The award for the Best film in the Environmental category has been shared by “The Man who dwarfed the Mountains” and “God on the Edge” and “Weaves of Maheshwar” has been conferred the award for the Best Promotional film.

Dr. Rajakumar Samagra Charithre was given the Best Book on cinema award. The best film critic award was given to Meghachandra Kongbam who interprets the world of Indian cinema for his readers in Manipuri. This year National Film Awards included a special award given to the state of Gujarat for being the most film friendly state in the Country.