National Awards based on friendship? Priyadarshan responds to allegations

The 64th National Film Awards were announced recently. To everyone’s surprise Akshay Kumar won the best actor award for his performance in Rustom. The jury’s decision to snub fantastic performances by actors like Manoj Bajpai (Aligarh), Nawazuddin Siddiqui (Raman Raghav 2.0) and Aamir Khan (Dangal) were questioned by man.

Jury chairperson Priyadarshan was at the receiving end of all the criticisms after many alleged that Akshay won the award because of his proximity to Priyadarshan. Mohanlal, also a very close friend of the director, won the special jury award for his performance in Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol, Janatha Garage and Pulimurugan. Social media users mocked Priyadarshan for favouring his friends while helming such a prestigious position.

The director has now responded back to the allegations. He asked why people didn’t question about Amitabh Bachchan winning the award when Ramesh Sippy was the jury chairman.

“I have heard of all that and I will answer it in a simple way. When Ramesh Sippy was jury head Amitabh Bachchan won. When Prakash Jha was head of jury, Ajay Devgn won. So none questioned at that time. So why all these questions are cropping up today,” said Priyadarshan”

Priyadarshan also clarified that Akshay Kumar’s performance in both Rustom and Airlift were considered by the jury during the selection process. However, according to the rules only the name of one film could be mentioned. That’s how they selected Rustom.

It’s worth mentioning that Priyadarshan has worked with Akshay Kumar in 6 films like Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhaag, Bhool Bhulaiya, De Dana Dan and Khatta Meetha.