Balachandra Menon with shocking revelation about jury foulplay at national awards; Bollywood actor Devendra Khandelwal's statement as proof

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Actor and director Balachandra Menon has alleged that even though the jury had decided to award him three National Awards, including Best Director, some people in Kerala sabotaged the awards. The allegations were made at a press conference as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of his film career.

"The jury had decided to give the best film, director and actor awards to the film Samaantharangal (English: Parallelism). But some Malayalis in the jury changed it. It was initially decided to award me the best actor award for 1997 for my role in Samaantharangal. However, I had to share the award with Suresh Gopi. Instead of best film, Samaantharangal was demoted to the Film on Family Welfare category. I was not given the Best Director award either.

"When I came to Delhi to receive the National Award, Bollywood actor Devendra Khandelwal, who was a member of the jury, told me that he had a heavy burden on his mind and that he needed to open up to me. He was the one who revealed these things to me." Balachandra Menon also played a video clip in which a member of the jury for the national awards is seen making remarks after viewing all the films.

Balachandra Menon said that he has had more bitter experiences than sweet ones and that many people are still harassing him. When asked about the sexual allegations that surfaced a while ago, he replied, "Do you think I am someone with that kind of mentality?" He also said he doesn't pay attention to the obscenities on the walls of public toilets.