"On what basis was Shah Rukh Khan chosen?" — Veteran actress Urvashi questions National Awards jury

What were the criteria for selecting Shah Rukh Khan as Best Actor?

The 71st National Film Awards' Best Supporting Actress winner and veteran actress Urvashi, has ignited a heated discussion regarding the awards' impartiality and openness.

Urvashi questioned the criteria used to select major award winners in an open interview with Asianet News, specifically the selection of Shah Rukh Khan as Jawan's Best Actor and the reduction of Vijayaraghavan to a supporting role.

"What Were the Conditions?"

"What were the criteria for selecting Shah Rukh Khan as Best Actor?" Urvashi asked bluntly. What caused Vijayaraghavan to be relegated to a supporting role? A senior actor like Vijayaraghavan, who gave a physically and emotionally taxing performance, wasn't even given a Special Jury Mention, she said, pointing out what she believes to be inconsistencies in the jury's decision-making.

Behind the Scenes in Pookkaalam

Urvashi revealed a little-known fact: she was initially offered the role opposite Vijayaraghavan in Pookkaalam, but she declined because of the physical demands of the role, which included more than nine hours of makeup work every day. "I couldn't do it, even for crores." However, Vijayaraghavan persevered and gave a dedicated performance. "How is that a supporting role?" she asked. "This isn't pension funds."

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Urvashi's critique extended beyond specific categories. She conveyed her general displeasure with the representation of Malayalam cinema at the National Awards. Why wasn't this year's Best Actress award given out? What is the procedure? She urged greater transparency and equity in the selection procedure and inquired, "Is there a standard scale?" "This isn't pension funds. She also urged Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi to investigate the situation, saying, "If you're giving me something, I should feel happy receiving it."

The controversy has brought attention to the pressing need for increased transparency and inclusivity in the evaluation and reward system for cinematic excellence, as expressed by a variety of voices, including politicians and artists.