Anupam Kher slams filmmakers for returning National Award

MUMBAI: Veteran actor Anupam Kher has slammed the directors, who returned their National Awards in solidarity with the protesting FTII students, calling it a move motivated by "agenda".

Filmmakers Dibakar Banerjee, Anand Patwardhan and eight others yesterday returned their National Awards, saying their decision to return the awards was taken in view of the apathy displayed by the government in addressing the students' issues and the general environment of intolerance against debate.

Kher, 60, whose wife Kirron Kher is a BJP MP from Chandigarh, termed the group of directors "Award Wapsi Gang".

He tweeted:

Some more usual suspects who never wanted @narendramodi to become PM in d first place have joined the #AwardWapsi gang. Jai Ho.:)

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) October 28, 2015

Some of these usual suspects of #AwardWapsiGang were instrumental in getting me out of Censor Board d moment Congress came in Power. #Agenda

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) October 28, 2015

The actor said the filmmakers have insulted the National Awards jury and the audience, who watches their films.

He posted:

This #AwardWapsiGang has not insulted the Govt. but The Jury, The Chairman of the Jury and the audience who watched their films. #Agenda

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) October 28, 2015