Ulaganayagan Kamalhassan is going to receive the Padma Bhushan award, which is one of the prestigious awards instituted by the Government of India. When the announcement on the conferment of the award to the veteran actor was made several weeks ago, the whole film industry and its fans were extremely delighter. Many celebrities and fans visited Kamalhassan at his residence to wish him for getting the honour.

But Director Thankar Bachaan has recently questioned the necessity of conferring the award to Kamalhassan. Known for his controversial statements in public discourse Thangar Bachan turned his ire towards the senior actor this time. He has said that while he accepts that Kamal is a great actor deserving such a National recognition. The Azhagi director has questioned the rationale of honouring someone who acts in films for money while writers and social activist like K.Rajanarayanan who are still working for the welfare of people without expecting anything in return has not received even a state level recognition like the Kalaimamani award.

He has also told that awards nowadays are bought for money which is sure to irk not only Kamal but also the lovers of cinema.

Thankar Bachaan is right in questioning the Government’s failure to recognize eminent literary personalities and social activists. But is it right to hurl stones at a man whose contribution to the art form is immeasurable?

Readers, please share your take on this.