National Film Awards 2024: Mansi Parekh Overwhelmed with Emotion as She Receives Best Actress Award from President Droupadi Murmu

The 70th National Film Awards ceremony took place today, October 8, 2024, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu honoring the finest contributions to Indian cinema. Among the most memorable moments of the evening was veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty receiving the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his outstanding contribution to the film industry.

In addition to this, Rishab Shetty took home the Best Actor award for his performance in Kantara. The Best Actress award was shared between two talented actresses, Nithya Menen for Thiruchitrambalam and Mansi Parekh for her performance in Kutch Express. The Best Feature Film award went to Aattam, while Gulmohar was named the Best Hindi Film, showcasing the rich diversity and talent in Indian cinema across various languages and regions.

Mansi Parekh’s Emotional Moment on Stage

The highlight of the evening came when Mansi Parekh walked up to the stage to receive her Best Actress award from President Murmu. Overcome with emotion, Mansi Parekh could not hold back her tears as the magnitude of the honor sunk in. The packed hall watched in silence as she broke down, her gratitude and pride clearly visible. President Droupadi Murmu, in a touching gesture, placed a reassuring hand on Mansi’s shoulder, offering her a comforting smile and quiet words of support.

Despite the emotional moment, Mansi managed to smile through her tears, her face lighting up with a mix of joy and humility as she held the prestigious award. This marked a significant milestone in her career, and it was evident that this achievement meant the world to her.

Mansi Parekh’s Vision for Gujarati Cinema

In a previous interview, Mansi Parekh had spoken about her passion for bringing Gujarati cinema into the mainstream, a goal she remains committed to. Reflecting on her experiences, she emphasized, “Gujarati cinema has so much potential. There are endless stories to tell, and the geographical beauty of Gujarat, like Kutch, offers incredible backdrops for these stories. When we shot Kutch Express in Kutch, we aimed to showcase the region in a way that hadn’t been done before in either Hindi or Gujarati films. Unfortunately, many people still hold stereotypical notions about Gujarati movies. My goal is to break those stereotypes and bring new, diverse stories to a wider audience.”

This vision is evident in Kutch Express, the film that won her the Best Actress award. Released on January 6, 2022, the film featured a stellar cast, including veteran actress Ratna Pathak Shah and Taare Zameen Par fame Darsheel Safary. Mansi not only starred in the lead role but also took on the role of producer, making it a personal and professional triumph. The story centers around a woman’s journey to self-empowerment after discovering her husband’s infidelity, a narrative that resonated deeply with audiences.

The Future of Gujarati Cinema

Mansi Parekh’s success at the National Film Awards marks a turning point for Gujarati cinema, which is gaining recognition on a national level. Her dedication to exploring untold stories from her home state and breaking cultural stereotypes is paving the way for more Gujarati films to find a place in mainstream Indian cinema.

As Mansi Parekh continues to carve her path in the industry, her vision for Gujarati cinema and her passion for storytelling remain at the forefront of her career. With her latest accolade, she not only celebrates personal achievement but also shines a spotlight on regional cinema that deserves greater recognition.