Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu presented the 66th National Film Awards at a ceremony in New Delhi today. Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javdekar was also present on the occasion.

Bollywood stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Vicky Kaushal were jointly awarded the  best actor award for their roles in Andhadhun and Uri. VIcky Kaushal said it was a great honour for him to receive the award.

Keerthy Suresh got the best actress award for her portrayal of yesteryear’s star Savitri in Telugu film Mahanati. Gujarati movie Hellaro was awarded for the best feature film.Aditya Dhar was awarded with the Best Director award for his debut Uri: The Surgical Strike. Andhadhun was awarded for Best Hindi film.

Badhaai Ho, about a family dealing with a late pregnancy, has been awarded for best popular film providing wholesome entertainment. Veteran actor Surekha Sikri was awarded for the best supporting actress for her role of a cantankerous matriarch in the movie.  Singer-lyricist Swanand Kirkire was awarded for the best supporting actor for Marathi film Chumbak.

Akshay Kumar-starrer Padman was awarded for the best film on social issues. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavaat was awarded for best choreography for the song Ghoomer.  Bhansali received best music director award. Marathi movie Paani was awarded for Best Film on Environment Conservation and Preservation.

In his address, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said that the world can be connected to the culture of India along with increasing tourism through films. He said that films are a powerful medium of communication and the film industry should give importance to films related to social issues. He congratulated all the award winners: Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said Dadasaheb Phalke Award will be given to Amitabh Bachchan on 29th December at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Since the veteran actor is not well, he was not able to come for the function today.