Hansal Mehta On Aligarh Snub: Accept Jury Decision, But Hurt By Priyadarshan's Homosexuality Views

Hansal Mehta, who helmed Aligarh, took to Twitter to express his personal disappointment over the film not winning any National Awards this year. The filmmaker clarified that his opinions aren't directed to anyone.

He appreciated the jury for "doing the best with their understanding and framework" and pointed out that the year when his film Shahid won two national awards, Ritesh Batra's Lunchbox was ignored.

"Ï didn't complain then and I'm not complaining now either. I've got to respect the decision and move on."

He further said that he was hurt by Priyadarshan's "disturbing and insensitive" statement ruling out homosexuality from being a social issue.

"Priyadarshan sir, Aligarh did not meet the standards set by you and your jury - I accept that. But your views on homosexuality not figuring as a 'fantastic' social issue rankles," he wrote.

In a recent interview, Priyadarshan said, "While watching films we realised that a lot of Bollywood movies were themed around homosexuality. The movies are not really highlighting social problems. Whereas regional cinema are themed around fantastic social issues."

Based on the trials and tribulations that a homosexual faces in India, Aligarah starring Manoj Bajpayee was received well both by the critics and audience alike.

Mehta, who has previously won the National Award for Shahid, congratulated the winners and said that there are bound to be disappoints for many.

"I am getting calls from people asking me if 'Aligarh' was entered for the National Awards and if I was disappointed with the results. Yes, 'Aligarh' was entered and while we are disappointed like many other colleagues I would like to congratulate all the winners.

"The jury has a difficult job every year and there are bound be disappointments for many, a few debatable awards and much hurt over being overlooked. At the same time some fine films have been rewarded and some excellent work has been recognized," Mehta wrote on Twitter.

The filmmaker further said that there's no point in brooding over the results and thanked his team for the stellar job.

"To all my colleagues who poured their hearts out into 'Aligarh', lets just keep making our films with love and care-awards or no awards. There is no point brooding over the result.

"There is merit in only moving on and continuing to work, to make movies, that we believe in. Manoj, Apu, Raj, Satya, Neil, Mandar and the entire team you are all champions," he wrote.