📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Bollywood Hungama
Entertainment
Director Rahul Dholakia questions choice of Gujarat for National Film Awards venue
✍️ India Today
🗓 08 Sep 2026, 02:33 PM
👁 32
Film‑maker Rahul Dholakia has publicly asked why the upcoming National Film Awards ceremony will be held in Gujarat, sparking debate over the venue selection.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced that the next edition of the National Film Awards will take place in the state of Gujarat. Shortly after the decision was made public, veteran filmmaker Rahul Dholakia expressed surprise and asked for clarification on the rationale behind selecting Gujarat as the host location.
Dholakia, known for directing the 2017 hit "Raees," highlighted that the awards have traditionally been staged in other regions and urged the authorities to consider factors such as industry concentration and logistical convenience. His comments have added a new dimension to the ongoing conversation about the cultural and administrative implications of the venue change.
As of now, no official response has been released addressing Dholakia's queries. Stakeholders from the film fraternity are awaiting further details, while the government is expected to provide additional information on the criteria used for the venue decision.
The announcement and subsequent questioning come at a time when the Indian film industry is closely watching policy decisions that could affect future award ceremonies and related events.
Dholakia, known for directing the 2017 hit "Raees," highlighted that the awards have traditionally been staged in other regions and urged the authorities to consider factors such as industry concentration and logistical convenience. His comments have added a new dimension to the ongoing conversation about the cultural and administrative implications of the venue change.
As of now, no official response has been released addressing Dholakia's queries. Stakeholders from the film fraternity are awaiting further details, while the government is expected to provide additional information on the criteria used for the venue decision.
The announcement and subsequent questioning come at a time when the Indian film industry is closely watching policy decisions that could affect future award ceremonies and related events.