The controversy over Shah Rukh Khan winning the National Award for what many have called a relatively mediocre performance in Jawan has escalated into an all-out debate on the credibility of awards for popular entertainment.
Manoj Bajpayee on National Award Controversy; “Awards do not define my self-esteem as an actor”
It began when Manoj Bajpayee’s fans voiced that he deserved the National Award instead, for his acclaimed performance in Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, where he portrayed a lawyer fighting a powerful godman to secure justice for a minor rape survivor.
Speaking exclusively, Manoj reflected, “It is a film, character, and performance I am immensely proud of. I don’t see how any award — and please understand I am not targeting the National Awards — can augment my pride and the audience’s appreciation of the film and performance.”
The actor believes that the credibility of entertainment awards has been deeply compromised. “It makes no difference to my reputation as an actor whether I get an award or not. Dilip Kumar and R. D. Burman didn’t get a single award for the best work of their career: Devdas and Amar Prem. To this day people go back to these works to savour the nuances. Mind you, I am not comparing myself to Dilip Saab or Panchamda. I am only saying awards don’t define any actor or any artiste’s self-esteem and worth.”
Despite the controversy, Manoj was quick to emphasize his admiration for Shah Rukh Khan. “No one can touch him. His stardom is unparalleled. I am a big fan of SRK, and he knows it.”
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