Returning awards not the best way to dissent: Kamal Haasan

Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan, who turned 61 on Saturday, believes there are so many different ways to register dissent against government but returning awards is definitely not the best way to do so.

"People should seriously consider using podiums to raise their voice. I don't see the need to return awards. I received the National award from an eminent jury of 12 members and if I decide to return it, I'd be insulting them," he said at an annual event organized by his fans to celebrate his birthday.

He also said it's his wish to retain his award.

"They keep asking why I didn't return my award. In that case, Mahatma Gandhi should've also returned his law degree to the British government because he was against it. But he didn't do so, did he," he asked.

Kamal, who was criticized heavily for choosing to not return his National award last week, said he will only raise his voice against the government if it invades freedom.

"I will dissent against any government if it impinges on individual freedom of my fellow citizens. I will raise my voice against such intolerance and I'll do that regardless of any biasness," he said.

Kamal also clarified that his decision to not return his award should not be interpreted as his party bias.

A number of filmmakers, scientists and writers have returned their awards to protest against "the growing intolerance in the country".

2 Comments

Recommended News

Recent News

JUST IN: WILL MERSAL SCENES BE CUT OR MUTED? PRODUCER CLARIFIES JUST IN: WILL MERSAL SCENES BE CUT OR MUTED? PRODUCER CLARIFIES Thalapathy Vijay's Mersal directed by Atlee is creating many box office records. Its a known fact the film has faced…… Ninnu Kori Team Party In Goa Ninnu Kori Team Party In Goa 'Ninnu Kori' is the latest film of Nani. The movie is running well the box office and turning out to…… Dhanush Is Not Coming! Dhanush Is Not Coming! It appears like a festive season for Tollywood as several Telugu films are slated for release continuously from the last…… Varun Tej Hopes On Fidaa Movie Varun Tej Hopes On Fidaa Movie Another interesting Telugu film is releasing today. It is Sekhar Kammula-Varun Tej combo 'Fidaa'. The result of this film is…… Bigg Boss Julie deserves an Oscar! This actress thinks so.. Bigg Boss Julie deserves an Oscar! This actress thinks so.. Juliana's drama in the recent episode of the Tamil version of Bigg Boss reality show has turned out to be…… Nayanthara Goes Pan India as Tata Sky's Brand Ambassador Nayanthara Goes Pan India as Tata Sky's Brand Ambassador After years of acting in multiple films in all South Indian languages, Nayanthara is a known figure to nearly half…… Taapsee Clarifies on Her Controversial Statement Taapsee Clarifies on Her Controversial Statement Compared to Tamil cinema, Telugu audience love an excessive dosage of action and glamor. Slightly irked by the fact that…… Huma Quershi Plays Sex Worked in Rajini Film ? Huma Quershi Plays Sex Worked in Rajini Film ? It is reported that Bollywood starlet Huma Quershi would be essaying the role of a sex-worker in superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming…… Baahubali Character Enters Sangamithra Baahubali Character Enters Sangamithra C Sundar’s magnum opus Sangamithra is presented by Thenandal Films and is expected to be made at a budget of…… Kona's Sister Turns Distributor For LIE Kona's Sister Turns Distributor For LIE Nithiin scored his career best hit with 'A Aa'. He has teamed up with Hanu Raghapudi of 'Krishna Gadi Veera…… More Tamil News