Over 60 National Film Awards recipients decided not to attend the award distribution ceremony on Thursday, 3 May, a day after they were informed that the President would be presenting only 11 awards at the event, breaking away from a long-held esteemed convention, which they condemned as a "breach of trust."
The artistes wrote a letter addressed to the Directorate of Film Festival, President's office, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to express that they feel "dejected rather than honoured" for their work. Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani and Union Minister, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore were entrusted with the responsibility of giving away the remainder of the 137 awards.
President Ram Nath Kovind attends all award functions for a maximum of one hour and this was conveyed to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said on 3 May following "11th hour" protests by some of the recipients of the National Film Awards.
The President handed over a clutch of awards - Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Nargis Dutt Award for Feature Films on National Integration, Best Book on Cinema, Best Direction (non-feature film), Best Jasari Film, Best Male Playback Singer, Best Music Direction (songs and background music), Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Direction (feature film), Best Feature Film and Best Editing.
While the awardees urged that the dignity and eminence of the National Awards be maintained, Boney Kapoor dismissed the snub. He received the Best Actress posthumous honour with daughters, Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor at the 65th National Film Awards ceremony on behalf of his late wife and actor, Sridevi.
“I would have been equally happy if the Minister (I&B) had given me the award. It is ultimately the recognition of your work. I don’t understand what the fuss is about.”Boney Kapoor told IANS
Newton producer Manish Mundra, whose film won the National Award for best Hindi film, expressed his disappointment on Twitter.
Singer Shashaa Tirupati said that she felt "terribly disrespected." The singer bagged the Best Female Playback Singer award for Vaan Varuvaan from Kaatru Veliyidai.
We all represent different parts of the country and it is an honour that we receive (our awards) at the hands of the President. They are not called the President’s National Awards for no reason. If not the President, then at least the Vice President should give away the remaining awards, not the ministers.NR Nanjunde Gowda to PTI
With inputs from IANS & PTI
(The Quint is now on WhatsApp. To receive handpicked stories on topics you care about, subscribe to our WhatsApp services. Just go to TheQuint.com/WhatsApp and hit send.)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)