Veteran actor Urvashi, known for her unmatched versatility across languages and decades of memorable performances, has raised serious concerns over her categorisation as a "supporting actress" at the 71st National Film Awards. Despite being recognised for her stellar turn in Ullozhukku, the actor has publicly questioned the jury’s rationale for placing her in the supporting category — a decision she believes not only undermines her performance but also sets a troubling precedent for future generations of artists.
Urvashi Demands Clarity: “This Is Not Acceptable”
In a candid interview with Asianet News, Urvashi did not mince words. “This is not acceptable,” she said, expressing disappointment over the lack of explanation from the jury. “If the approach is to award as they see fit and expect us to accept it without question, that needs to change.” She added that she has approached Union Minister and fellow actor Suresh Gopi to look into the matter.
The actor also referenced last year’s split in the Best Actress category between Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon for Gangubai Kathiawadi and Mimi, respectively — both mainstream Hindi films — and questioned why such a provision was not extended this year. “Why do we have awards? On what basis are they given? That needs to be made clear, regardless of the category,” she said, echoing sentiments recently shared by fellow actor Rima Kallingal.
Vijayaraghavan, Aadujeevitham and the Unanswered Questions
Urvashi also drew attention to what she termed inconsistencies in the way performances were judged. Referring to veteran actor Vijayaraghavan, who played a 100-year-old protagonist in Pookkaalam and was awarded Best Supporting Actor, she said, “How did you distinguish between his role and Shah Rukh Khan’s in Jawan? On what criteria?”
She recounted turning down the female lead opposite Vijayaraghavan due to the physically taxing nature of the role, which involved daily hours of prosthetic makeup. “Even if you pay me crores, I wouldn’t do it. But he, at his age, endured all of that. That alone deserves at least a Special Mention,” she insisted.
The Achuvinte Amma actor further revealed that her acclaimed performance in J Baby, which was submitted for consideration in the Best Actress category, was allegedly not even watched by the jury. She also questioned the absence of Aadujeevitham from any major award category, despite its critical acclaim and technical brilliance.
A Larger Concern Over Jury Process and Credibility
Beyond personal grievances, Urvashi’s remarks reflect a broader unease within the industry about the credibility and transparency of the National Awards. “They said it was a majority decision. But what exactly does that mean? What is the basis?” she asked, adding that artists are not seeking validation but clarity. “If the reason for the award is that my performance was inferior, then say so. Don’t leave it to speculation.”
When asked whether she would attend the awards amid boycott calls due to The Kerala Story being honoured, she said, “This is not pension money that we should accept blindly.” The statement has since gone viral, resonating with those who believe that artistic merit must take precedence over political or popular biases.
Her statements come at a time when the awards’ integrity is being debated like never before, and her voice — respected, bold, and deeply rooted in the craft — has sparked vital conversations about fairness in national recognition.
Also Read: Soha Ali Khan, Sophie Choudry and Urvashi Rautela spotted at the airport
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By: Filmfare
Title: Urvashi Slams National Awards Jury Over Supporting Actress Tag Calls for Transparency
Sourced From: www.filmfare.com/news/south/urvashi-slams-national-awards-jury-over-supporting-actress-tag-calls-for-transparency-76328.html
Published Date: 2025-08-04 15:32:02
