The 64th National Film Awards 2017 was headed by popular director Priyadarshan. The jury that decided to applaud movies like Dangal, Rustom, Pink and Shivaay skipped a very notable movie from the year 2016 and that was Hansal Mehta’s Aligarh. The critically acclaimed movie that starred Rajkummar Rao and Manoj Bajpayee in pivotal roles. It touched upon a very sensitive topic of sexual orientation. The film was based on the real-life story of professor Dr. Srinivas Ramchandra Siras whose sexual orientation led to his expulsion from the job.
The ace director Hansal Mehta showcased his displeasure on social media and wrong a long note for his fans. It read, “Am getting calls asking me if Aligarh was entered for the National Awards and if I was disappointed with the results. Yes, Aligarh was entered and while we are disappointed like many other colleagues I would like to congratulate all the winners. The jury has a difficult job every year and there are bound to be disappointments for many, a few debatable awards and much hurt over being overlooked. At the same time some fine films have been rewarded and some excellent work has been recognized.”
The note further stated, “To all my colleagues who poured their hearts out into Aligarh, lets just keep making our films with love and care – awards or no awards. There is no point brooding over the results. There is merit in only moving on and continuing to work, to make movies that we believe in. Manoj, Apu, Raj, Satya, Neil, Mandar and the entire team, you are all champions.”
Am getting calls asking me if Aligarh was entered for the National Awards and if i was disappointed with the.. pic.twitter.com/93cw80iv7b
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) April 7, 2017
He also added, “My only hope is that the debate over Section 377 and LGBTQ rights is not ignored. If Aligarh has shone a light on these issues and if India’s ignored LGBTQ population are able to move forward with dignity, rights and unconditional integration into the mainstream we will consider our task in making Aligarh accomplished.”
My only hope is that the debate over Section 377 and LGBTQ rights is not ignored. If Aligarh has shone a light on.. pic.twitter.com/pusrCThOkl
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) April 7, 2017
