Paresh Rawal defends decision to move National Film Awards to Gujarat, says it is a part of the country

Paresh Rawal. Pic via X

Last week, the government announced its decision to move the National Film Awards ceremony 2026 out of Delhi and move it to Gujarat. The move broke a 72-year-old tradition and sparked a political row, with many criticising the decision. However, actor Paresh Rawal seems to have different views.The acfor recently opened up about the controversy defending the decision, while questioning those who slammed the decision.

Paresh Rawal defends decision to move National Award Ceremony 2026

While commenting on the controversy, Paresh Rawal told ANI, "Gujarat kya Bangladesh mein hai, Pakistan mein hai? ujarat toh hamare desh ka hi hissa hai. Gujarat mein zaroor hona chahiye (Is Gujarat in Pakistan? Is it in Bangladesh? Gujarat is very much a part of our country)."

When asked about the political debate surrounding the move, the actor responded, "Politics ka toh kaam hai sawal uthana (Politicians will only raise questions)."

Rawal further went on to make the case for taking national events outside the capital, saying, "26 January ki parade Delhi mein hoti hai na? Toh har function har state mein hona chahiye (The 26 January parade takes place in Delhi. So every function should happen in every state)."

National Film Awards ceremony 2026 moves to Gujarat

For the unversed, a few days ago it was announced that the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony will be held in Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22. It marks a break from the awards' long association with Delhi. The first National Film Awards ceremony was held in 1954, and took place at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan. Ever since then majority of the editions continued to be held in the capital.

While Delhi has been the usual host, the National Film Awards ceremony has moved out of the capital before. Notably, the 17th edition of the awards was held in Chennai in 1971.

For the upcoming ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu will be arriving in Gujarat to present the honours at the ceremony. The ceremony will be held in Kevadia, now known as Ekta Nagar, which is home to the Statue of Unity. The 597-foot monument dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is touted to be the world's tallest statue and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.