'Dil Dhadakne Do' filmmaker Zoya Akhtar expressed saying, "If I had the national award, I would have returned it. It is a peaceful way of saying things, expressing things. I support them." At the MAMI Festival she opened up giving her support for the growing intolerance in the country.

Many other Bollywood stars also came out in support of the 'award waapsi' like talented actress Kalki Koechlin said "It is an important statement that people are making about the situation. It is a brave act for artist to do." The 'Kick'star Salman Khan sadly phrased it saying, "It's a sad (dukh) phase that is going on. I am here for MAMI festival and I would not like to get into things which would turn other way or interpreted in another way."

Other actors like Riteish Deshmukh, Jackie Shroff and ace filmmaker Sudhir Mishra expressed their grief on it and commented parried, "They will support the act of filmmakers returning their awards and that everyone has right to express their opinion.