It’s a long-standing personal decision: Actor
Kannada star Kichcha Sudeep has declined the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor, for the 2019 sports drama Pailwaan. The actor cited a long-standing decision not to accept any awards.
In a statement posted on X, Sudeep addressed the Government of Karnataka and jury members, acknowledging the privilege of being selected, while explaining his position. “It is truly a privilege to have received the state award in the Best Actor category, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to the respected jury for this honour,” Sudeep wrote. He explained that his decision to stop receiving awards was made years ago for personal reasons.
He added, “There are many deserving actors who have poured their hearts into their craft and would appreciate this prestigious recognition far more than I would. It will only make me happier to see one of them receiving it.”
The actor also apologised to the members of the jury and to the state government for any disappointment his decision might have caused. The five-year delay in announcing these awards was due to the pandemic.
