Indian film industry’s highly acclaimed actor, movie maker, Kamal Hassan’s recent statements against the #AwardWapsi are breaking the news headlines across the nation. Legendary actor, screenwriter, director, producer, playback singer, choreographer, lyricist, philanthropist and dancer, Kamal Hassan who works primarily in the Tamil film industry has made his stand clear that he would not return his national awards which honored to him by the government of India.

No #AwardWapsi by Kamal Hassan

Noted for his acting and dancing skills in Indian cinema. Kamal Hassan had turned down call of many other fellow awardees of National Awards to join them in protesting against rising intolerance in the country. The actor Kamal Hassan expressed his opinion at an event held in Delhi on November 3, 2015 over the returning of awards saying that he would not return his National Awards.

He made it clear and loud audible to all people at the event to be filled with storm saying “I will not return my National Award and insult the government.” Perhaps the fellow mates of him never expected this kind of response from their friend who won four National Awards for his outstanding work. “Nothing will happen by returning awards. There are sensible politicians in every party and returning awards is a futile exercise” said Kamal Hassan who received the prestigious Padmashri and Padma Bhusan awards for his excellence in his fields.

Explicating his intentions and views, Kamal Hassan said This intolerance is what divided the nation (in 1947). It should not divide the nation again.” Kamal Hassan suggesting many other ways to solve this issue gaining the attention of government and people where an legitimate debate on intolerance in about five years would be appreciative action.

Emergence of Kamal Hassan’s comments after Bollywood King Khan Shah Rukh Khan made his views over the intolerance has increased the heat of Indian politics over this issue. Over past couple of weeks writers, filmmakers, historians, scientists and other eminent personalities returning awards including those conferred by Sahitya Akademi as a mark of protest to the growing intolerance in different spheres after the recent incidents like the Dadri lynching, beef row and ink attacks.