'Mammootty sir is a legend, I don't know whether his film was there for competition'; Rishab Shetty opens up

Kannada actor Rishab Shetty, who won the National Award for Best Actor for his powerful performance in 'Kantara', said that he did not know if Megastar Mammootty's film was there in the competition. Responding to media reports which claimed that he won the national award by competing with Mammootty, Rishab Shetty said he did not have the strength to stand in front of a legendary actor like Mammootty.

"I don't know if Mammootty sir's film was there for the competition. I saw such news on social media. I don't know which films came before the jury. Mammootty sir is a legend. I don't have the strength to stand in front of a great actor like him. I consider myself very lucky if legends like Mammootty sir were there in the competition," Rishab Shetty said.

"I never expected this award. Although many people told me that I would get the national award for 'Kantara', I did not believe it until the jury announced it during the press conference. My wife was the first to congratulate me after hearing the news. The jury liked 'Kantara'. They may have reasons for that. I'm thankful to the jury. I am very happy to win the award and I'll try to give more good films in the future," Rishab added.