The veteran actor shared the stage with debut‑awardee Vaikom Vijayalakshmi at the Gujarat ceremony, where President Droupadi Murmu gave a rare hug.
Veteran Malayalam star Mammootty walked onto the stage in an ivory‑tinted suit, clutching his fourth Best Actor National Film Award. The ceremony, staged in Kevadiya, Gujarat, also marked the debut national win for folk‑singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi, who was handed her first honor for the song “Vaanakoonil” from the film Ajayan’s Second Heist.
A Night of Firsts and Fourths
The evening took an unexpected turn when President Droupadi Murmu, the nation’s head of state, stepped forward after presenting Vijayalakshmi’s trophy and wrapped the singer in a quick, affectionate hug – a gesture rarely seen at such formal gatherings. The President’s warm embrace was mirrored by a standing ovation from the event’s host, Sadas, who rose and clapped for both artists.
Mammootty, flanked by his wife Sulfath and producer Anton Joseph, accepted his award alongside co‑winner Kartik Aaryan, who shared the Best Actor honor this year. When the presenter asked what the accolade meant after five decades of diverse roles, the actor replied that the recognition fuels his drive to keep entertaining audiences. He thanked directors, writers, co‑actors, producers and, most importantly, the fans who have supported his journey.
Vijayalakshmi, who sang the haunting melody penned by Manu Manjith and composed by Diby Nainam Thomas, expressed gratitude for the President’s personal gesture, calling it a “proud moment for Malayalam music.” Her win adds a fresh voice to the national roster, highlighting the growing appreciation for regional folk traditions on a pan‑Indian platform.
Social media lit up instantly. Fans flooded Twitter and Instagram with congratulatory posts, tagging both artists and the President. Hashtags like #MammoottyNationalAward and #VijayalakshmiFirstAward trended within minutes, underscoring the collective pride of Malayalis across the globe.
Mammootty’s trophy joins a collection that already includes honors for his performances in Mathilukal, Vidheyan, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and other landmark films. This latest win reinforces his status as a stalwart of Indian cinema, whose characters have spanned from literary adaptations to gritty contemporary dramas.
The ceremony itself, organized by the National Film Awards committee, was noted for its grandeur. The venue’s décor echoed Gujarat’s cultural motifs, while the audience comprised industry veterans, upcoming talent and dignitaries. The President’s decision to personally hug Vijayalakshmi sparked conversations about evolving protocols at state‑run events, with many praising the human touch.
As the night drew to a close, Mammootty promised to keep “working hard and delivering stories that resonate.” Vijayalakshmi hinted at future collaborations, aiming to bring more folk sounds to mainstream screens. Both artists left the stage amid a chorus of applause, their achievements setting the tone for the upcoming awards season.
The next National Film Awards ceremony is slated for early next year, where more regional talents are expected to step into the spotlight. For now, the Malayalam film fraternity basks in the glow of two historic moments – a seasoned actor’s fourth triumph and a singer’s inaugural national recognition – both sealed with a presidential hug that will be remembered for years to come.
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