But when President Droupadi Murmu walked onto the stage, she didn’t just give a speech—she launched a campaign. She reminded everyone that when a blockbuster hero talks about a healthy diet or a clean lifestyle, the audience, especially kids, swallows it whole.
—"When successful artists speak about the benefits of a disciplined lifestyle, millions of children and young people emulate them," she urged, adding that a true star spreads light, not darkness. Her words hit hard at a time when brand‑deal frenzy is at its peak.
Yet she didn’t stop at a warning. Murmu lauded the quality of films emerging from India, saying the industry’s output now meets world‑class benchmarks. She called the cinematic boom a sign of a golden future for the creative economy.
The awards night also saw Anant Nag receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, while Yami Gautam, Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan were honored for their performances. Their applause punctuated the president’s message, reminding everyone that even the biggest names are held to high standards.
So what’s next? The industry will have to rethink how it partners with brands, balancing commercial gains with the ethical responsibility that comes with influencing millions of young minds. The conversation that began in Ekta Nagar may well shape the next decade of Indian cinema.