Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jan 23: Renowned Kannada actor Kichcha Sudeep has declined the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor, a day after the announcement of the 2019 awards.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Sudeep expressed his gratitude for receiving the award but explained his decision to stop accepting awards several years ago. He wrote, “While I feel privileged to have received the state award, I have chosen to stop receiving awards for several years now. This decision was made for various personal reasons, and I intend to uphold it.”
The Karnataka State Film Awards for the calendar year 2019 were long awaited and announced on Wednesday. Sudeep was named Best Actor for his performance in the film ‘Pailwan’, in which he portrayed an orphan-turned-wrestler and boxer.
Acknowledging the jury for selecting him, Sudeep wrote, “I am grateful to every jury member for selecting me, as this recognition is, in itself, my reward.”
He also apologised to the jury and the state government, saying, “I sincerely apologise for any disappointment my decision may cause, and I trust you will respect my choice and support me on the path I have chosen.”
Fans of the actor expressed their support for his decision on social media.
M Narasimhalu, president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, was quoted in DH discussing the government’s intention behind awarding artistes, saying, “The motive is to encourage and appreciate the artistes.” However, he chose not to comment on Sudeep’s decision to decline the award, acknowledging that the actor had personal reasons for his choice.
In August 2024, Sudeep also declined an honorary doctorate from Tumakuru University, stating that he had not made any significant societal contributions and that his work was done purely for personal satisfaction. He emphasised that many individuals working for the betterment of society often go unrecognised.
Sudeep was recently seen in the hit film ‘Max’, directed by Vijay Karthikeyan, which became a box-office success following its release last month.