72nd National Film Awards 2026 Winners: Complete List of Award Winners and Their Celebrated Films

The 72nd National Film Awards have once again celebrated the finest achievements in Indian cinema, honouring exceptional performances, visionary filmmaking and technical brilliance across multiple languages.

Swati Bhat

Announced in New Delhi, this year's awards recognized films certified during 2024, highlighting the diversity and creative strength of the Indian film industry.

Political thriller Article 370 emerged as one of the biggest winners of the evening, winning the coveted Best Feature Film award. The film also brought Yami Gautam her first-ever National Award, earning her the Best Actress honour for her powerful and nuanced performance.

The Best Actor award was shared by Kartik Aaryan for his inspiring performance in Chandu Champion and Mammootty for the critically acclaimed Malayalam film Bramayugam, reflecting the jury's appreciation for two vastly different yet equally compelling performances.

Among language-specific honours, Srikanth, starring Rajkummar Rao, was named Best Hindi Feature Film, while Raayan received the Best Tamil Film award. Malayalam cinema celebrated Feminichi Fathima, and several regional films from Telugu, Kannada and Marathi cinema were also recognized for their storytelling excellence.

Major Winners at the 72nd National Film Awards

Best Feature Film: Article 370

Best Actor: Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) and Mammootty (Bramayugam)

Best Actress: Yami Gautam (Article 370)

Best Hindi Feature Film: Srikanth

Best Tamil Feature Film: Raayan

Best Malayalam Feature Film: Feminichi Fathima

Best Marathi Feature Film: Mukkam Post Bombilwadi

This year's National Film Awards showcased the growing strength of Indian cinema across mainstream and regional industries. From socially relevant stories and biographical dramas to technically accomplished productions, the honours reflected the industry's evolving creative landscape and reaffirmed the National Film Awards as India's most prestigious recognition for cinematic excellence.

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From Narendra Modi to Barack Obama: World Leaders Whose Love for Music Inspires the World

Music has always been a universal language capable of connecting people across cultures, borders, and ideologies. While political leaders are often remembered for their policies and diplomacy, many of them also share a deep appreciation for music that reflects their personalities beyond public office.

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From India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to former US President Barack Obama and King Charles III, numerous global leaders have embraced music as a source of inspiration, cultural connection, and even diplomacy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi consistently showcases India's rich musical heritage through his public engagements and social media. He often promotes regional artists and traditional compositions, introducing millions to India's diverse cultural legacy. Recently, while unveiling the new Jodhpur airport terminal, he featured the soulful track Kesariya Balam by Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej and legendary musician Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. Modi's association with Ricky Kej dates back to the composer's first Grammy Award win in 2015, when they discussed the power of music in promoting environmental awareness and India's cultural influence globally. Their shared vision was further highlighted during the COP21 Climate Conference in Paris, where Modi and then French President François Hollande unveiled Kej's acclaimed album Shanti Samsara.

In the United Kingdom, King Charles III has shown a lifelong passion for music. Earlier this year, he launched The King's Music Room, an Apple Music radio programme that offers listeners a personal glimpse into the songs that have shaped his life. His playlist is notably diverse, featuring legendary artists such as Bob Marley, Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue, Grace Jones, Diana Ross, Davido, Michael Bublé, and Raye. For King Charles, music represents cherished memories, emotional comfort, and a powerful connection to the many cultures across the Commonwealth.

Former US President Barack Obama has turned his annual music playlists into a global cultural event. Every summer and at the end of each year, audiences eagerly await his carefully curated selections, which blend timeless classics with contemporary hits. His playlists have featured artists like Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, Rosalía, Billie Eilish, and several emerging independent musicians. Obama's choices have gained recognition for introducing listeners to fresh talent while celebrating established musical icons.

French President Emmanuel Macron has consistently placed music at the heart of France's cultural diplomacy. Through celebrations like the annual Fête de la Musique and events at the Élysée Palace, Macron has welcomed internationally renowned musicians while promoting both French and global artistic excellence. His commitment to cultural exchange extends beyond ceremonial appearances. During his visit to India in February 2026, Macron also spent time with Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej, emphasizing the growing cultural dialogue between India and France through music.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has similarly championed the country's vibrant music industry throughout his tenure. Whether celebrating Canada Day or congratulating artists on international achievements, Trudeau has regularly acknowledged musicians including Drake, The Weeknd, Céline Dion, Leonard Cohen, and The Tragically Hip. His support for Canadian talent has strengthened the country's creative identity on the global stage. Ahead of Diljit Dosanjh's major concert in Canada, Trudeau even made a surprise visit to personally congratulate the Punjabi superstar, further demonstrating his appreciation for artists who unite audiences across cultures.

From promoting traditional melodies to celebrating global superstars, these leaders demonstrate that music transcends politics. Their public embrace of artists like Ricky Kej, Beyoncé, Bob Marley, and many others highlights how melodies can foster cultural diplomacy, inspire unity, and remind the world that behind every leader is a person moved by the universal power of music.

#lifestyle #art #music

Met Gala 2026: Gujarati Icons Redefine Global Fashion

Gujju Girls Isha Ambani, Natasha Poonawalla, and Mona Patel Redefine Global Fashion with Regal Elegance

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The red carpet of the Met Gala 2026 turned into a celebration of Indian luxury, heritage, and avant-garde couture as Gujarati-origin fashion icons Isha Ambani, Natasha Poonawalla, and Mona Patel emerged among the most talked-about celebrities of the night.

Held at the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Met Gala 2026 theme “Fashion Is Art” witnessed Indian elegance dominating global headlines. The trio represented modern Indian luxury with breathtaking couture, rare jewels, and dramatic styling that blended heritage craftsmanship with futuristic fashion.

Isha Ambani Brings Royal Indian Heritage to the Met Gala

Isha Ambani reaffirmed her status as a leading global ambassador of Indian couture in a custom gold-thread sari by designer Gaurav Gupta, styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania. The handcrafted sari, which took over 1,200 hours and involved more than 50 artisans, featured intricate zardozi embroidery, pichwai motifs, sculptural drapes, and diamond-studded detailing. Her jewellery, a highlight of the evening, included over 1,800 carats of diamonds, emeralds, and heirloom pieces from her mother Nita Ambani's collection, such as a historic sarpech and layered diamond necklaces. Her beauty styling featured glowing skin, sleek hair, gold-toned nails, and a dramatic jasmine-inspired hair sculpture. The look was globally praised for blending Indian royalty with contemporary couture.

Natasha Poonawalla Turns Fashion Into Wearable Art

Natasha Poonawalla made a memorable impact at the Met Gala, wearing a sculptural orchid-inspired piece by British artist Marc Quinn with a white Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda gown. Her look perfectly embodied the gala's "Fashion Is Art" theme, combining art installation with couture fashion. The striking orchid sculpture added a futuristic, museum-like quality, making her a highly photographed attendee. Her jewellery featured statement pieces from Outhouse Jewellery, including the standout Seanymph Chain Veil Ring, complementing her avant-garde style. Natasha's sleek styling, bold confidence, and minimalistic makeup allowed the outfit and jewellery to shine, earning praise from fashion critics for her fearless approach and transformation of fashion into performance art.

Mona Patel Channels Leonardo da Vinci in Couture Masterpiece

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Mona Patel once again proved her dominance on the global fashion stage with a spectacular Renaissance-inspired appearance. She wore a custom gold-and-white Alta Moda gown by Dolce & Gabbana inspired by the artistic genius of Leonardo da Vinci. The outfit reflected anatomical precision and artistic detailing inspired by da Vinci’s iconic works, including references to the Vitruvian Man and Renaissance art. Fashion experts described her look as one of the most intellectually creative interpretations of the Met Gala theme. Mona paired the couture ensemble with extraordinary diamond jewellery from Kantilal Chhotalal, featuring asymmetrical diamond earrings, solitaire climbers, and a luxurious Toi et Moi ring with pear and emerald-cut diamonds. She completed the ensemble with custom heels by René Caovilla and soft glam makeup that balanced the dramatic couture structure with elegance and sophistication.

#metgala #luxe #art #fashion #gujarati #globalicons