The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony concluded at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat, where President Droupadi Murmu presented honors recognizing cinematic achievements across Indian cinema for the year 2024. Among the primary highlights of the prestigious evening, Bollywood actress Yami Gautam Dhar secured the Best Actress trophy for her compelling performance in the political drama Article 370. Marking the first National Award of her acting career, the actress attended the formal ceremony alongside her husband, filmmaker Aditya Dhar, to accept the honor.
Reflections on Winning Her Maiden National Award
Expressing her elation following the presentation, Gautam emphasized that being recognized at the national level remains an exceptional milestone for any creative professional in the country, describing it as the pinnacle of cinematic accolades. During a conversation with Prasar Bharati, she noted that words fell short of capturing her emotions during the ceremony. The actress remarked that despite her long-standing tenure in the film industry, receiving such high-level recognition rekindled the fresh energy and perspective typically felt by a newcomer embarking on an artistic journey.
The Significance of Article 370 in Gautam's Career
Gautam characterized the project as a deeply meaningful chapter in her creative evolution, stating that she is still actively processing and celebrating the momentous occasion. She observed that Article 370 afforded her significant artistic range and fulfillment, granting her an opportunity to perform the kind of substantive role she had sought for a substantial period. She explained that sustained dedication across years often culminates in a single transformative milestone, which materialized for her through this specific cinematic endeavor.
Double Triumph as Article 370 Claims Best Feature Film
Beyond individual acting accolades, Article 370 also clinched the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. The narrative traces the operational blueprint, groundwork, and subsequent geopolitical aftermath surrounding the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Ahead of the announcements, public anticipation had leaned toward Aditya Dhar potentially drawing recognition for Dhurandhar, leaving many observers pleasantly surprised when Article 370 secured the marquee honor. The formal presentation took place on September 22, 2026, honoring artistic output released during the 2024 calendar year.
Prominent Honors Across Other Categories
The 72nd edition also witnessed shared top acting honors in the male category. Renowned Malayalam cinema titan Mammootty claimed the Best Actor award for his portrayal in Bramayugam, sharing the distinction with Kartik Aaryan for his central role in Chandu Champion. In directorial categories, Rajkumar Periasamy walked away with Best Director for helming Amaran, while Randeep Hooda earned the Best Debut Director accolade for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. Meanwhile, the grand-scale epic Kalki 2898 AD bagged the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
