KOCHI: Actor Salim Kumar said that he was avoided for the inaugural function of IFFK Kochi edition to protect the interests of some and politics was behind it. Talking to Kerala Kaumudi Online, he said that when approached them, they informed that he was avoided due to his age.

It was announced that nearly 25 award winners from Ernakulam will inaugurate the fest. I expected them to call me as I am a winner of three academy awards and a central award. However, I did not get an invitation. When I asked them why I was not invited, they cited ‘age’ as the reason. Ashiq Abu and Amal Neerad were my colleagues in Maharajas College. I will be only two or three years elder to them. I am not 90 years old. How can this be old age? So, that is not the reason. I was avoided to protect the interests of some. The reason of it is my politics. The interests of those who avoided me have won, he said. Though it is an insult, I don’t have any complaints, he said.

The second edition of IFFK started in Kochi. Directors Aashiq Abu and Amal Neerad will be lighting the lamp marking the beginning of the fest. Meantime, Chalachithra Academy chairman Kamal said Salim Kumar has not been excluded from the inaugural function.