'Why Was Shah Rukh Khan Named Best Actor?': Actress Urvashi Slams National Film Awards
The 71st National Film Awards, meant to celebrate cinematic excellence, is now at the centre of a controversy, with several artists, including award-winners, openly questioning the jury's choices. Among the most vocal has been legendary Tamil and Malayam actress Urvashi, who has raised pointed questions about the selection process that led to Shah Rukh Khan being awarded Best Actor for ' Jawan ', while veterans like Vijayaraghavan were relegated to the Supporting Actor category.
In a sharp interview with Asianet News, Urvashi asked, 'What were the criteria for selecting Shah Rukh Khan for Best Actor? And how was Vijayaraghavan placed in the supporting actor category?" She criticised the lack of transparency, stating plainly, 'Kuttettan (Vijayaraghavan) is an experienced artist. At least he deserved a special jury mention."
Her remarks echoed a growing sentiment within parts of the film industry that the awards process has turned opaque, favouring stardom over substance. The backlash intensified after several performers, widely seen as leads in their films, were instead recognised in supporting categories, allegedly to make room for big-ticket names like Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji.
Urvashi, who herself shared the Best Supporting Actress award with Gujarati actor Janki Bodiwala, expressed dissatisfaction over not being considered in the lead actress category for her role in ' Ullozhukku ', where she starred opposite Parvathy Thiruvothu. Her performance had earlier earned her the Kerala State Award for Best Actress.
She pointedly asked, 'Why do we have awards? On what basis are they given? That needs to be made clear, regardless of the category." She added that if artists are simply expected to accept awards quietly, that needs to change. Quoting fellow actor Rima Kallingal, Urvashi said, 'If this is what you (despite being a proven veteran actor) have to go through, just imagine how worse it would be for all of us."
The controversy also envelops Vijayaraghavan's role in ' Pookkaalam ', where he played a 100-year-old man, a physically demanding lead performance that required intense prosthetic work and hours of daily makeup. Urvashi revealed she was initially approached to play his partner in the film but declined due to the physical toll the role would require. 'Even if you pay me crores, I wouldn't do it. But he, at his age, endured all of that and performed. That alone deserves at least a Special Mention."
She added, 'How did you distinguish between Vijayaraghavan's and Shah Rukh Khan's performances? How did one become a supporting actor and the other the best actor?"
Her criticism was not confined to individual snubs. She also condemned the complete omission of Blessy's ' Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life)', starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, from the awards list. 'They said it was a majority decision. But what exactly does that mean? What is the basis?" she asked.
Urvashi also questioned why the Best Actress award was not shared this year, despite such precedents in previous editions. 'Is there any protocol? Is there any set standard? Awards should not be taken home quietly. This is not pension money. If you are giving me something, I should feel happy to receive it," she said.
Calling for accountability, she stated that she has already urged Minister of State Suresh Gopi to look into the alleged bias against Malayalam cinema. Urvashi's remarks have found resonance among many in the Malayalam film fraternity, especially in light of what some perceive as a trend of sidelining regional cinema in favour of Bollywood glamour.
While expressing gratitude for her award, Urvashi said she received calls from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and actor Kamal Haasan congratulating her.
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