Randeep Hooda has won his first National Film Award. The actor-filmmaker received the Best Debut Director honour for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar at the 72nd National Film Awards. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award at a ceremony held at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22, 2026 . This was the first time the National Film Awards ceremony took place outside New Delhi in seven decades . The event was held near the Statue of Unity.
Hooda directed, co-wrote, co-produced, and starred in the film as Vinayak Damodar Savarkar . He said the recognition has given him “new wings.” He told HT City, “I am and always will be an actor first.”
A First National Award After 25 Years in Cinema
Hooda has worked in the film industry for 25 years . He has appeared in films like Rang Rasiya, Highway, Sarbjit, and Extraction. Despite a long career, this is his first National Film Award. He said he has not received much recognition as an actor in terms of awards, but the audience has always showered him with love and admiration .
“To be recognised for my craft in my very first attempt as a director is very encouraging. It has given me new wings to do more of it in the future.” – Randeep Hooda
The actor also spoke about the demanding nature of directing. He said he enjoyed acting, writing, and directing, but being a director is “the most demanding of the lot.” He called writing “the most liberating” because it is a limitless endeavour .
A Special Moment with Family
Hooda dedicated the award to his daughter, Nyomica. He attended the ceremony with his wife, Lin Laishram, and his father, Ranbir Hooda . On Instagram, he wrote, “I wasn’t just there as Randeep Hooda but as Nyomica’s father” .
“It is special that I’m here not only as Randeep Hooda alone but also as Nyomica’s father with my own father Ranbir Hooda in attendance. So it’s about fathers and the children making each other proud.” – Randeep Hooda
He also said the award belongs to the entire team of Swatantrya Veer Savarkar and to the audience who has supported his work for 25 years .
About the Film Swatantrya Veer Savarkar
Swatantrya Veer Savarkar is a 2024 biographical drama. It is based on the life of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a prominent figure in India’s freedom movement. The film explores Savarkar’s early years, his revolutionary activities, and his imprisonment in the Andaman Cellular Jail . It released in theatres on March 22, 2024.
The film also features Ankita Lokhande as Yamunabai Savarkar, Amit Sial as Ganesh Damodar Savarkar, Rajesh Khera as Mahatma Gandhi, Lokesh Mittal as B. R. Ambedkar, Brajesh Jha as Subhas Chandra Bose, and Mrinal Dutt as Madan Lal Dhingra .
Other Big Winners at the 72nd National Film Awards
The 72nd National Film Awards honoured many films and artists. Article 370 won Best Feature Film. Yami Gautam won Best Actress for her role in Article 370. Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty shared the Best Actor award. Kartik won for Chandu Champion, while Mammootty won for Bramayugam. Rajkumar Periasamy won Best Director for the Tamil film Amaran .
Veteran actor Anant Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award . Srikanth was named Best Hindi Feature Film. Kalki 2898 AD won the award for Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment .
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The New Venue and Its Meaning
The ceremony was held at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat. This was a change from the usual venue, Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi . Hooda said the shift was a good effort to take the awards across the country. He also noted the symbolism of holding the event at the Statue of Unity .
“Having it at the Statue of Unity is not bereft of its symbolism.” – Randeep Hooda
President Droupadi Murmu spoke at the event. She said Indian cinema embodies the dreams, traditions, and struggles of the Indian people . She also urged film artists to use their influence responsibly.
Also Read: Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram: A Love Story That Blossomed Through Theatre and COVID
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