New Delhi: Malayalam actors Parvathy and Fahadh Faasil gave the coveted National Awards ceremony a miss on Thursday after it was announced that president Ram Nath Kovind will be giving away only 11 awards, breaking from a long-held tradition.
Earlier in the day, Parvathy, who won the special jury mention for her performance in Take off, said, ''We have a grievance and we have informed them about the same. We are hoping that we will get a positive response and things will be sorted out soon." However, their grievance was not addressed, the stars skipped the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Malayalam dubbing artist and actress Bhagyalakshmi said, "There shouldn't be any partiality among the winners. Every artist who won is talented and why should the President respect and honor only a few.”
The function, held at Vigyan Bhavan, was organised in two phases this year. The first set of awards was conferred by union information and broadcasting minister Smriti Irani and the minister of state Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore from 4 pm. The second set was presented by the president from 5.30 pm.
Traditionally, the president gives away all the National Film Awards.
In their open letter, marked to the office of the president and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the artistes said they were informed about the change in the schedule on Wednesday by Chaitanya Prasad, additional director general of the Directorate of Film Festivals. Fahadh Faasil, named the best supporting actor, had also signed the letter.
They said they were disheartened and 'felt dejected rather than honoured' on being informed at the last minute that the president will present only 11 awards. After the controversy erupted over 60 awardees, including Keralites, stayed away from the ceremony.
Yesudas, Jayaraj receive award
However, Kerala's K J Yesudas, named best playback singer, received the award from the president. So did Jayaraj, who bagged the best director award for Bhayanakam.