New Delhi: National Film Award distribution ceremony ended up controversial as around 60 award winners kept away from the ceremony. The artistes' move came as an expression of their discontent at the move to have President Ram Nath Kovind hand over only the top 11 awards, and the rest to be distributed by the I&B Minister Smriti Irani.
In a letter given to the Directorate of Film Festivals, the winners criticized the move as a display of hierarchy and they felt dejected. They pointed out that the 65-year old awards had always been presented by the president.
The directorate officials removed the nameplates for 70 awardees, who signed in the letter indicating their intent to skip the event.
But 15 among the 70, including singer Yesudas and director Jayaraj both from Malayalam originally signatories to the protest, eventually switched side and turned up to receive the awards.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani presented 60 awards. Kovind handed over the 11 main prizes including the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for life-time achievement.