KOCHI: “Where were the critics when Amitabh Bachchan was accorded the best actor award by the jury chaired by Ramesh Sippy,” asked filmmaker Priyadarshan, the chairman of the National Film Awards jury.
His retort came after a criticism that actor Mohanlal was given a special mention because of the actor’s close ‘friendship’ with the director.
“Yes, of course we are the closest buddies. However, when the jury chaired by me chose Mohanlal for the special mention, it was not because of our friendship but because he deserved it,” the director told ‘Express.’
“On some remarks made by a Malayalam director, I don’t have much to say. He always wants to be in the limelight,” said Priyadarshan. The director was obviously referring to Dr Biju, who criticised Priyadarshan alleging ‘personal camaraderie’ was the reason for Mohanlal getting the award.