When Celebs Courted Controversies Over Government Honours

When Celebs Courted Controversies Over Government Honours

There has been a lot of hullabaloo about Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, declaring Amitabh Bachchan deserving candidate for Bahrat Ratna, after he was awarded Padma Bhushan. On the other end writer Salim refusing Padma Shri. We here would like to recall a few controversies faced between government honours bestowed on film celebs!

Salim Khan refused Padma Award

Writer Salim Khan refused to accept the Padma Shri, at this Republic day, being aware of the fact that Padma awards is the country's top civilian honours. Salim clarified by saying it was too little, too late, by doing this he added fuel to the an aggravated debate.

Mamta's declaration for 'Bharat Ratna'

Where on the other hand when Amitabh Bachchan received Padma Bhushan, Mamata Banerjee, had all praises for Big B. Later she went on social media saying he deserved the Bharat Ratna.However, Sr Bachchan staying grounded, replied: '@MamataOfficial Mamata di... I am not deserving of such recognition... Most humbled and honoured by what the Nation has given me..!!'

RTI for recommendation

The nightingale of India, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar also landed herself into controversy when she recommended her sister Usha Mangeshkar's name for Padma Shri. In 2013, an RTI application was made public, stating Lata's clarification on the issue. Lata stated that she has recommended names every year for Padma Award on the request of Government. Therefore, keeping in mind the consideration of her sisters contribution of more that five decades to the industry she recommend her name. However, Usha Mangeshkar hasn't received the honour.

Nawab's fight for honour

Talented actor, Saif Ali Khan was bestowed upon with Padma Shri in 2010. However, there had been rumours of his award being reconsidered or taken away by the Government. According to the reports, an RTI activist has filed a petition in which, he alleged that giving him the honour of Padma is mockery of the award as he actor was involved in a brawl at a five star. However, Saif got to keep the honour.

The act of favoritism

The Singham of Bollywood, Ajay Devgn won the National Award for 'Gangaajal' in 2003. But it didn't go down well with filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, he raised objections. The filmmaker stated that the director for the film 'Gangajaal' Prakash Jha was the head of the jury and therefore there has been favoritism and the decision taken by the jury is bias.

Anything for Family

Ripples were created when Anil Kapoor and Raveena Tandon won the National Award for 'Pukar' in 2000 and 'Daman' in 2001, respectively. This lead to a huge debate over the selection criteria. According, to the grapevine it was said that few political leaders were involved in the decision making. Raveena Tandon's uncle Mac Mohan being a part of the committee also raised suspicion.

The right to raise your 'Voice'

The versatile actress Kirron Kher won the National Award for a Bengali movie titled 'Bariwali' in 2000, however, she received a lot of criticism for the same, as she was accused of not having her original voice in the film. According to the buzz her voice was dubbed. But her actor-husband Anupam Kher, who had produced the film, claimed it was Kirron's voice in the film.