A shocking revelation has been made by actor and director Balachandra Menon, who claims that his film Samaantharangal was robbed of its rightful place at the 45th National Film Awards in 1997. Menon alleges that foul play within the jury, which included a Keralite member, resulted in him missing out on the prestigious Best Feature Film and Best Director awards.
During a media interaction marking his 50-year milestone in the entertainment industry, Menon shared his bitter-sweet journey, with the incident being a memorable, yet sour, experience. He played a revealing video clip, where a jury member expressed their initial decision to award Samaantharangal and Menon himself for their exceptional work. However, the member was left shocked by some underhanded tactics that occurred, changing the course of events.
According to Menon, jury member Devendra Khandelwal later confided in him, revealing the truth during a trip to New Delhi to receive the national award. Khandelwal reportedly wanted to clear his conscience and share the details of the controversy.
In the end, Samaantharangal received the consolation prize of ‘Best Film on Family Welfare’, while Menon shared the Best Actor award with Suresh Gopi. A bittersweet outcome, indeed.
Menon’s career has been a rollercoaster, with more bitter experiences than sweet ones. He shared his grievances, stating, “I have been harmed by many and continue to be so.” Menon’s journey began with his admiration for actor Prem Nazir, which sparked his interest in the industry. He also discussed the origins of his film titles and his interactions with political leaders, including Congress leader K. Karunakaran, who invited him to join politics, an offer he respectfully declined.
This story raises questions about the integrity of award ceremonies and the potential influence of external factors. It’s a controversial topic that sparks debate. What are your thoughts? Do you believe foul play can impact the outcomes of such prestigious events? Share your opinions in the comments below!