No One Questioned Ramesh Sippy When Amitabh Bachchan Won A National Award, Says Priyadarshan On Akshay Kumar’s Win

Visibly miffed filmmaker also asked why fingers weren’t raised when Prakash Jha was head of the jury & Ajay Devgn won. Here’s more on what Priyadarshan has to say about Akshay Kumar’s National Award

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No One Questioned Ramesh Sippy When Amitabh Bachchan Won A National Award, Says Priyadarshan On Akshay Kumar’s Win

The 64th National Award has become a topic of discussion since yesterday, as it has left a lot of people amused with its winners.

Filmmaker Priyadarshan who was the head of the Jury is being questioned about his decision of picking Akshay Kumar as the Best Actor for Rustom. A general opinion among the people and the industry is that since Akshay has worked with Priyadarshan in umpteen numbers of films (
Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhaag, Bhool Bhulaiya, De Dana Dan and Khatta Meetha) and shares a great bond with him, his decision was biased.

rustom movie poster starring akshay kumar
Image Source: twitter/akshaykumar

However, Priyadarshan has his clarification in place. While talking to PTI Priyadarshan said, “I have heard of all that and I will answer it in a simple way. When Ramesh Sippy was jury head last year Amitabh Bachchan won. When Prakash Jha was head of the jury, Ajay Devgn won. So no one questioned at that time. So why all these questions are cropping up today,”

The filmmaker also clarified that Akshay’s performance in Rustom and Airlift were considered by the jury during the selection process. However, as only the name of one film could be mentioned, the list featured the courtroom drama Rustom.

priyadarshan and akshay kumar movie together
Image Source:  usmalayalees

“Akshay was given the best actor on the basis of his performance in two films — Airlift and Rustom. It was the jury’s decision. One performance was dramatic and one was realistic. But according to the rule book, only one film can be mentioned and Rustom was mentioned in the list. But the award recognises his performance in both the movies.” Priyadarshan concluded.

Meanwhile Akshay Kumar is still shocked himself. After posting a candid picture with Sonam Kapoor yesterday after the declaration of the National Awards, Akshay told a leading daily that he felt it was a late April Fool’s joke. He said, “It is great news. National Film awards are the most prestigious awards in the country. It is a moment of pride for sure. The first reaction, honestly, was if this was a late April Fool’s joke (laughs)! Actually, I am still trying to process this win, it is a mix of many emotions - surprise, happiness and, most prominently, gratitude to the jury, makers of the film, my parents and of course the beloved fans.”

Talking about the news where his National Award is being questioned by people, he said, “Itna keh sakta hun mai ki ye award bhi maine imandari se jita hai. Maine aaj tak cheating nahi ki. Neither have I ever made a call to anyone to win an award nor have given money or done favours for it.”


Thumbnail Image Source: cochintalkies & Manav Manglani