Urvashi Questions National Film Awards Jury Over ‘Aadujeevitham’ Snub and Role Categorisation

The 71st National Film Awards, announced on August 1, brought joy to fans of Shah Rukh Khan, who won his first-ever Best Actor award for his performance in Jawan, marking a significant moment in his 33-year-long career.

However, actress Urvashi, who received the Best Supporting Actress award for Ullozhukku, expressed dissatisfaction with the jury’s decisions, especially regarding how performances were classified.

Concerns About Award Classifications

In an interview with Asianet News, Urvashi raised concerns about veteran Malayalam actor Vijayaraghavan being awarded Best Supporting Actor despite what she described as a leading performance.

She said, “Vijayaraghavan is such a great actor. What exactly did the jury consider to distinguish between Vijayaraghavan’s and Shah Rukh Khan’s performances? How did one become a supporting actor and the other the best actor? On what criteria?”

She explained that Vijayaraghavan portrayed a 100-year-old man in Pookkaalam, a role requiring intense physical effort.

Although she was offered the role of his partner, she declined due to the hours of makeup needed. “But he, at his age, endured all of that and performed. That alone deserves at least a Special Mention,” she said.

Frustration With Lack of Clarity

Urvashi shared the Best Supporting Actress award with Janki Bodiwala for Vash. Both she and Vijayaraghavan were awarded in the supporting category, although they played lead roles.

In a conversation with The Hindu, Urvashi said she isn’t questioning the awards given to others, but wants clarity on why her performance was placed in the supporting category.

“I don’t know if the old rules have changed over there. Earlier, actors who played lead roles were considered only for the best actor awards,” she said.

Concerned about how future actors might be treated, she explained, “I am raising this question not for myself, but for the younger generation of actors as well as for the future generations.”

Allegations of Regional Bias

Urvashi also raised doubts about whether the main jury even considered her performance in J Baby, despite it being recommended by the regional panel.

She expressed disappointment that Aadujeevitham, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, was ignored. “How could they ignore Aadujeevitham?” she asked. “We all know it is because of Empuraan. Awards cannot get political.”

She noted that Empuraan, Prithviraj’s directorial film, drew controversy for scenes resembling the 2002 Gujarat riots, leading the filmmakers to trim scenes and alter character names. Despite this, Urvashi insisted that her criticisms were aimed solely at the award jury and not politically motivated.

Speaking for Future Generations

Urvashi, who previously won Best Supporting Actress at the 53rd National Awards for Achuvinte Amma, said she remained silent then, as Sarika’s win for Parzania felt personally meaningful.

This time, however, she felt compelled to speak for her younger colleagues. “I do not want anyone telling them, ‘Even Urvashi kept quiet when she won, why are you making noise?’”

She also commented on the muted response to her win. “The few who did [congratulate me] apologised for wishing. Is this how things should be?”

Impact on Supporting Actors

Urvashi expressed concerns that misclassifying lead actors as supporting performers undermines those who genuinely play supporting roles.

“If they select lead characters for the award for supporting roles, then what happens to the actual supporting actors? Where is the motivation for them to try to better their craft?”

She also objected to awards being shared between actors. “First means just that — one person. This is all very strange,” she said, questioning the basis for such decisions.

A Call for Transparency and Reform

She urged the jury to provide better clarity and ensure fairness. Referring again to Vijayaraghavan, she said, “What a performance he came up with! He’s been around for decades. Will he get such a role again? I seek a reply from the jury.” She compared it to requesting re-evaluation in exams and called for a system that inspires confidence.

Support for Southern Talent

Urvashi expressed the need to support South Indian artists who are often overlooked. “There are so many talented actors in the south who will keep missing out on these recognitions if we don’t raise our voice now.”

She applauded Fahadh Faasil and Parvathy Thiruvothu for refusing awards in 2018 under similar concerns.

Ending With a Message

She concluded by stressing the importance of questioning flawed decisions. “There’s more education here, there’s confidence. Therefore, we question. Yes, there will be repercussions, but that’s okay. Someone has to bell the cat.”

She added, “The National Awards must be given purely for talent, nothing else… The jury should not take the south lightly.”

Urvashi’s statements have sparked a broader conversation about fairness, transparency, and representation in India’s most prestigious film awards.