Kannada actor Kiccha Sudeep refused to accept the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor, just hours after he was declared the award recipient for his role in the 2019 film Pailwaan. He declined the honor, citing his personal decision not to accept the award years earlier, a commitment he would like to continue.

In a statement on X, the actor wrote, “Respected Government of Karnataka and members of the jury, It is indeed a privilege to receive the State Award under the Best Actor category and I heartily thank the respected jury for this honour. However, I must express that I have decided to stop receiving awards for several years now, this decision has been taken for various personal reasons which I wish to maintain. There are many deserving actors who have poured their hearts into their craft and they will appreciate this prestigious recognition even more than I do. “I would just be happy to see one of them achieve it.”

Take a look at the post here:

“My dedication towards entertaining people has always been without expectation of awards, and this acknowledgment from the jury alone serves as a significant incentive for me to continue striving for excellence. I am grateful to each and every person for choosing me. I am grateful to the jurors, as this recognition is, in itself, my reward. I sincerely apologize to the jurors and the State Government for any disappointment caused by my decision, and I trust that you will respect my choice. and on the path I choose Will support me, I once again thank the honorable members of the jury and the state government for recognizing my work and considering my name for this award.”

On 22 January, the Government of Karnataka announced the State Annual Film Awards for 2019. Kannada actor and Anupama Gowda were named best actor and actress respectively.

Meanwhile, according to a release issued by the government, the state awards have been delayed by five years due to the pandemic. The state is yet to announce its awards for FLMs between 2020 and 2024.