Ekta Nagar (Kevadia) in Gujarat is witnessing the arrival of several prominent names from the Indian film industry ahead of the 72nd National Film Awards. Actors including Kartik Aaryan, Yami Gautam, Randeep Hooda and Malayalam superstar Mammootty have reached Kevadia for the prestigious ceremony. The celebrities received a traditional welcome with garlands, aarti and tilak at their hotel.
The National Film Awards ceremony will be held on September 22, 2026, at Ekta Nagar, with President Droupadi Murmu presenting the honours. This edition marks a significant change as the ceremony is being hosted in Gujarat, taking the National Film Awards beyond the National Capital.
The 72nd edition will honour major achievements in Indian cinema. ‘Article 370’ has been selected as Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam has been named Best Actress. Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty will share the Best Actor award for Chandu Champion and Bramayugam, respectively. Randeep Hooda will receive the Best Debut Director award for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.
The arrival of leading film personalities has added a special star-studded atmosphere to Ekta Nagar and the Statue of Unity region, while the district administration and security agencies have made arrangements for the high-profile event.
