President Pratibha Patil gives away 53rd National Film Awards

President Pratibha Patil gave away the 53rd National Film Awards for the year 2005, and also bestowed renowned film maker Shyam Benegal with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at a glittering ceremony here today.

New Delhi, Sept 14 : President Pratibha Patil gave away the 53rd National Film Awards for the year 2005, and also bestowed renowned film maker Shyam Benegal with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at a glittering ceremony here today.

Speaking at the occasion, Patil stressed on the 'originality' of the movies, adding that country's rich history and culture provides a strong foundation for the originality of the Indian cinema.

She made special references of Benegal's contribution to Indian cinema and Master Sai Kumar of Hyderabad, who bagged the Best Child Artiste Awards for his captivating portrayal of a nine-year-old boy with aspirations beyond his dreams.

"Indian cinema can play a crucial role in upholding the cherished values of secularism, equality and democracy. Cinema can also contribute in improving the status of women in society, eradicating social evils and inspiring its audience to be patriotic and committed to the welfare of the nation and to humanity at large," she said.

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan was honoured with the best Actor award for his scintillating performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Black'.

Sarika was awarded the best actress award for Rahul Dholakia's film on Gujarat riots, 'Parzania'.

The Swarna Kamal for the best film was given to Bengali movie 'Kaalpurush', directed by Budhadeb Dasgupta.

While Rakesh Omprakash Meyhra's 'Rang De Basanti' bagged the best popular film award providing wholesome entertainment, director Pradeep Sarkar won the Indira Gandhi Award for best debut film 'Parineeta'.

The Nargis Dutt Award for the best film on national integration was awarded to Malayalam movie 'Daivanamathil'.

ANI