Kevadia, September 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday urged India’s leading film stars to refrain from endorsing products that could adversely affect people’s health, stressing that popular artistes have considerable influence, particularly among the youth.
Murmu made the appeal while addressing the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat, where she conferred honours on outstanding talents from Indian cinema.
Highlighting the influence wielded by popular film artistes, the President said celebrities can encourage people to adopt healthier and more disciplined lifestyles.
“Film artistes, who are extremely popular, have the huge power to influence the people of the country, especially the youth. When popular film stars talk about the importance of a disciplined lifestyle, people sit up and take notice. The people follow them,” she said.
“I would like to request the biggest stars of India to refrain from endorsing anything that may prove to be harmful to the body. The job of a star is to spread light,” Murmu added.
The President also called for greater representation of women on the jury panels that decide the National Film Awards.
Noting that a majority of the artistes honoured at the ceremony were women, she said their perspectives should also be reflected in the decision-making process.
“A majority of artistes honoured today include women. Hence, the jury panel should also include women in the decision-making. It’s imperative to accommodate the perspective of a woman in every aspect of life,” she said.
Murmu also highlighted the contribution of workers and professionals at the lower levels of the creative economy, including labourers, small artistes, assistants and struggling artistes.
She said those at the top of the creative industry have a responsibility to ensure that people working at its grassroots receive dignity, respect and social security.
“You are all the representatives of the creative economy. I would request all of you to take care of labourers, small artistes, assistants, and even strugglers who make a huge chunk of the creative economy so that they get social security and respect,” she said.
Recalling her remarks at the previous National Film Awards ceremony, Murmu said she had then called for greater respect for those working at the lower rungs of the creative economy.
She added that recognising and respecting their contribution should become an integral part of the work culture of the creative economy.
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