President Draupadi Murmu had a message for popular film stars at the 72nd National Film Awards on Tuesday: Be careful what you support.
Speaking at the award ceremony in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, he said that celebrities have a lot of influence on children and youth and they should not use this influence to promote products that may be harmful to their health.
Draupadi Murmu on celebrity endorsements
The President said that movie stars can have a strong influence on the choices and habits of their fans, especially the young audience.
“When successful artists talk about the benefits of a disciplined lifestyle, millions of children and youth imitate them. I appeal to popular artists not to endorse products that are harmful to people’s health. A true star is one who spreads light, not darkness,” Murmu said.
He also talked about the responsibility that comes with being a popular artist and the influence celebrities have beyond their work in films.
I would like to request that popular artists do not endorse substances harmful to health. A star is one that spreads light, not darkness. pic.twitter.com/5VPwBxK4Y2
– President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 22, 2026
Murmu praised Indian cinema
Speaking about Indian cinema, Murmu said the quality of films being made across the country gave him confidence in the future of the industry.
“Knowing about the quality films being made in the country strengthens my belief that our films will set world-class standards for quality. I wish you all and the film industry a bright future,” Murmu said.
He also highlighted the role of popular film artists in India’s creative economy and their ability to reach large audiences.
At the ceremony, senior Kannada actor Ananth Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honor in Indian cinema.
Yami Gautam won the best actress award Section 370. Mammootty and Karthik Aryan were awarded the Best Actor award for their respective performances.
Also Read: ‘I still have a lot to learn’: Yami Gautam reacts to winning his first National Award