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Akshay: “Never called favour to bag a movie or an award”

When Akshay Kumar won his National Award for his work as the lead in Tinu Suresh Desai’s ‘Rustom’ (2016), there was many accusing the actor of nudging good friend and award jury member Priyadarshan. However the actor had spoken out against the allegations, staying he has never done such a thing.

Talking to the media, Deccan Chronicle reported the actor saying, “I have completed 25 years in the film industry and I’ve never called in a favour to bag a movie or an award. As for Priyadarshan favoring me, I think he has answered that question in your newspaper.”

As for Priyadarshan himself, he also denied being influenced by his friendship with Kumar. “Akshay Kumar deserved the award and we gave it to him. There were a total of 38 jury members with me on this. How can you question the decision of so many people? Ramesh Sippy headed the jury last year. When he gave Best Actor to Amitabh Bachchan for ‘Piku’ (2015) why didn’t anyone question him?” He said.

When asked about how he felt receiving the award, Kumar expressed, ” I’m very happy. I consider it the blessings of my parents and the good wishes of my family. Mrs. Funnybones (wife Twinkle Khanna) who always teased me on not getting any awards is happy and my happiness lies in making her happy.”

Kumar will next be seen in his wife’s home production ‘Padman’ which also stars Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte.