'Today, Shah Rukh is sitting so high up that it will have to be something really spectacular for him to jump up and say, "Hey, yes, let's make this film!".'
The 71st National Awards were presented at the Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
Shyam Benegal, the shining beacon of the Indian cinema, was laid to rest on Tuesday around 3 pm with full state honours and a three-gun salute at Shivaji Park, central Mumbai.
It was a hit and miss for some but each one of them revelled in the opportunity to showcase their talent.
'If people think that films that are happy or light, or comedy or romance are not substantial, that's not true.' 'I was really happy when this award was given for Thiruchitrambalam because it highlights that.'
'It's a struggle for everybody, even established people are struggling.'
Rehana Sultan was all set to be a path-breaker. The time was right. Hindi cinema had emerged from the 1960s musicals era. But somehow, leading film-makers of the time did not believe Rehana had that cachet. It was Zeenat Aman who ended up being the definitive taboo-trasher of the era. Dinesh Raheja salutes the trendsetter of the 1970s, Rehana Sultan.
On Tuesday, when trends indicated she was going to win her election, the four-time National Award winner said, 'Heartfelt gratitude to all the people of Mandi for this love and trust... This victory belongs to all of you, this is the victory of your trust in Prime Minister Modi and the BJP, this is the victory of Sanatan and in the honour of Mandi.'
As Kangana celebrates her 34th birthday on March 23, Namrata Thakker peeks into her life through her Instagram feed.
'Javed Akhtar, Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi have collectively brought more pride and honour to our country than the entire film fraternity put together.' 'Sir, the names you have taken are institutions, pillars of India's popular art, symbolising the very essence of humanism and nationalism.'
Smita has left behind a rich haul of films that showcase her enormous ability to offer us a glimpse into her soul each time she performed a role.
Saranya Ponvannan on winning the national award.
Tamil actress Priya Mani, winner of the National Award for the best actress for her role in Tamil film Partuthiveeran, owes her success to the director of the movie.
Rajasthan's royal architecture and striking landscapes are a hot favourite among tourists and film-makers. Its majestic beauty and history has coloured many a movies and their visuals to unforgettable effect.
Take the Rediff Movies Quiz and see how much you know Hindi cinema!
Like the Filmfare awards and Hollywood's Oscar awards, there are some amazing facts you may not have known about India's most prestigious awards.
'Films like Arth don't happen again and again. They come once in a lifetime. I was lucky to make it, and I couldn't have done it without Smita and Shabana.'
Actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik, who headed the jury for the 63rd National Awards, says this was one of the best years in the life of Indian cinema so far.
We look at the movies that made Kangana Ranaut a star.
As the talented actress celebrates her birthday on November 4, we take a look at some of her best movies.
Is Priyanka Chopra headed towards yet another big hit?
Moothon's script won the Sundance Institute's Global Filmmaking Award. Geethu Mohandas's movie is now coming to a theatre near you.
'Acting is a very crazy profession to be in. Mentally and emotionally we have to go into a particular zone and come out of it and keep on doing it. I am sure acting takes a toll on everyone and maybe that's why logon ko actors pagal lagte hai.' In the second part of a fun conversation, Tabu shares some beautiful nuggets with Rediff.com's Savera R Someshwar and Sonil Dedhia.
Smita Patil would have been 60 on October 17 had fate not cruelly snatched her from us in 1986. She was only 31 when she died. Rediff.com salutes the incomparable actress in a special series.
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