Akshay Kumar emphatically states he will return his National Film Award for Rustom after facing backlash from fans
Bollywood action star Akshay Kumar hit the headlines after he bagged the Best Actor trophy at the 64th National Film Awards 2017. He even posted a thank you speech online to thank friends, family and the voting committee for the recognition he received for Rustom.
However, this victory turned sour soon after, as people began accusing the Khiladi actor of winning the award because of his close friendship with famed filmmaker, Priyadarshan, who is the Chairperson of the Feature Film Department for the National Film Awards. Accusations have been going back and forth about the merit behind his Best Actor win for Rustom.
So, the man himself, Akshay Kumar, has finally spoken up about this controversy that came out of nowhere. Priyadarshan has also responded to the baseless allegations, saying that the actor won based on merit, and not because of any personal relationship the two share. Finally, Akshay released a statement, in which he said: “I am observing this from last 25 years, whenever someone wins the award [National Film Award], there’s always a debate and someone starts a controversy on whether someone should have or shouldn’t have won the award. I have got this award after 26 years. If someone doesn’t want me to get this award, if you feel like, please go ahead and take it away from me.”
Rustom is a movie based on a true story of naval officer K M Nanavati. He was accused of murdering his wife’s lover after he found out about their affair. The intriguing storyline, coupled with the acting prowess of Akshay Kumar earned him critical praise and the film was a success at the box office.
Akshay Kumar is now shooting for two social awareness films that should be out this year – PadMan and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha.
Photo Credits: Viral Bhayani
