Kichcha Sudeep turns down Best Actor award: 'Many deserving actors would appreciate it more'

Actor Kichcha Sudeep has declined to accept the Karnataka State Award for Best Actor for his performance in the 2019 sports drama Pailwaan. 

In a post shared on his X account on Thursday, Sudeep explained his decision, revealing that he had stopped accepting awards years ago due to personal reasons. 

He expressed his gratitude to the Government of Karnataka and the jury for the honor but stated, "Respected Government of Karnataka and Members of the Jury, it is truly a privilege to have received the state award in the Best Actor category, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to the respected jury for this honor. However, I must express that I have chosen to stop receiving awards for several years now, a decision made for various personal reasons that I intend to uphold."

Sudeep further explained that he felt the award would be more meaningful in the hands of someone who would "appreciate" it more. "There are many deserving actors who have poured their hearts into their craft and would appreciate this prestigious recognition far more than I would. It will only make me happier to see one of them receiving it. My dedication to entertaining people has always been without the expectation of awards, and this acknowledgment from the jury alone serves as a significant boost for me to continue striving for excellence."

He added, "This recognition is, in itself, my reward. I sincerely apologize to the jury members and the state government for any disappointment my decision may cause, and I trust you will respect my choice and support me on the path I have chosen. Once again, I thank the honorable members of the jury and the state government for recognizing my work and considering me for this award."

The Karnataka government announced the State Annual Film Awards for 2019 on Wednesday, with Kichcha Sudeep winning the Best Actor award for Pailwaan, and Anupama Gowda receiving the Best Actress award for her role in Trayambakam.

Sudeep is also set to star in director Anup Bhandari's upcoming film Billa Ranga Baasha. A concept video for the film was released last year on Sudeep's 51st birthday. Billa Ranga Baasha is slated for release in multiple languages, with further details about the film still to be revealed. 

(with ANI inputs)