Paresh Rawal recalled Mammooty to lose the National Award due to lobbying: ‘The game is played …’

Paresh Rawal recently opened a moment in the early 1990s when he lost to the National Award despite being stated early. In a conversation with Lallantop, the actor shared that he was once at the forefront of the best actor award for his performance in Sardar. However, it was Malayalam Superstar Mamooty who eventually received the award.

Rawal recalled the morning call during shooting in Mauritius in 1993 or 1994. The producer was Mukesh Bhatt who informed him that he was prepared to receive the National Award for the film Sir. As soon as he was absorbing the news, another call came, this time from filmmaker Kalpana Lajmi. He told him that he had won the Best Actor Award for Sardar directed by Ketan Mehta. “Sardar Ke Rai? Ketan Mehta’s film Li?” ,

Naturally, Rawal returned to Delhi, only to find out that he was being honored only for the head and not for the Sardar. Confused, he reached the industry people, including director Ketan Mehta, film critic Khalid Mohammed and filmmaker Shyam Benegal, to understand what went wrong. He was even unaware of the sudden change. This politician T. Subbarami Reddy was who finally gave him an explanation.

According to Rawal, Reddy said to him, “AAP Logon did the lobby Nahhi. We did. … The aggressive lobby … and Mamooti met” (you guys did not lobby. We got aggressive lobbying and mammuti). In 1994, the award for the best actor went to Mamooti for Vidhan and Ponthan Mada.

Rawal shared that although he respects the National Awards, he is aware of the politics behind. “At the National Award, he said that lobbying is fierce not only in India but also in Oscar, so it is no surprise that it happens in the country too.

Despite disappointment, the actor said he had moved forward. For him, real recognition comes from his companions. “Meri Life Mein Award is that Naseer Bhai Rat calls 11:30–12 Baje Meri Jaan Kar … ‘Paresh, Kya, Kya Perfoy, Kiya’ … My pit is full … Similarly, he recalled Om Puri by appreciating his work, who says he feels more beneficial than any formal award.