'How did Shah Rukh Khan win?' Legendary actress Urvashi asks boldly; A clever critique of National Awards Jury; 'What standards were used?'

Actress Urvashi, who received the Best Supporting Actress award at the 71st National Film Awards for her role in 'Ullozhukku', has now openly questioned the selection criteria used by the jury, especially regarding Shah Rukh Khan being named Best Actor for the film 'Jawan'.

Urvashi demands answers on SRK and Vijayaraghavan's awards

“What were the parameters for picking Shah Rukh Khan as Best Actor? and how did Vijayaraghavan get reduced to a supporting actor?” she asked in an interview with Asianet News.

Urvashi did not hold back as she drew attention to the lack of clarity, suggesting that the selection process lacked consistency and fairness. She pointedly added, “Kuttettan [Vijayaraghavan] is a veteran. At the very least, why wasn’t he considered for a Special Jury Mention?”

How can that be called a supporting role?

Urvashi also shared a behind-the-scenes story about 'Pookkaalam', revealing she was initially offered the role opposite Vijayaraghavan but declined due to the heavy physical demands, including over nine hours of makeup work daily. “Even for crores, I couldn’t do it. But Vijayaraghavan endured it all and gave a deeply committed performance,” she said. “How can that be called a supporting role?”

'It’s not pension money'

Her frustration extended beyond individual awards to the representation of Malayalam cinema itself. “Why wasn’t the Best Actress award shared this year? What’s the protocol? Is there any standard scale?” she asked.

According to the legendary actress, the award should not be taken home quietly: “This is not pension money. If you’re giving me something, I should feel happy receiving it.” She even called on Minister of State Suresh Gopi to investigate why Malayalam cinema was overlooked.

Meanwhile, in response to the controversial and propaganda film 'The Kerala Story's big win Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan shared a tweet on the last day that read, "By honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation with the clear intent of tarnishing Kerala’s image and sowing seeds of communal hatred, the jury of the #NationalFilmAwards has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar. Kerala, a land that has always stood as a beacon of harmony and resistance against communal forces, has been gravely insulted by this decision. It is not just Malayalis, but everyone who believes in democracy, must raise their voice in defence of truth and the constitutional values we hold dear." Meanwhile, there are also several criticisms from the public at 'The Kerala Story's big win and 'Aadujeevitham' snub.