Paresh Rawal is never one to hold back his thoughts and this time, he’s taking on the topic of film awards. In a recent chat with entrepreneur Raj Shamani, the veteran actor spoke openly about lobbying
in the National Awards, even saying that the Oscars aren’t free from it either. He also shared what kind of recognition truly matters to him and it’s not trophies or titles.
Reflecting on the credibility of film awards, Rawal admitted that even reputed honours aren’t entirely free from bias. “Award to mujhe to pata hi nahi hai. Ek baat main ye bhi bolun, National Award mein thoda bahut (lobbying) hota hoga. Utna nahi hai jitna baaki ke awards mein hota hai. Baaki ke award ki to baat karo ya na karo, koi farq nahi padta. National Award to National Award hai, reputed hai,” he said.
Rawal further pointed out that lobbying extends beyond India’s award systems. “Lobbying to Oscar Awards mein bhi hoti hai,” he revealed, adding that the process is often driven by influence and networking. “Haan bhaiya, Raj ki picture hai. Chalo jitne academy ke jitne members hote hain sabko whip up kiya jaata hai.”
While many actors view awards as a measure of success, Rawal expressed that real recognition comes from creative collaborators whose opinions he holds in high regard. “Award itself is an acknowledgement by the fraternity. But mere liye fraternity kaun represent karta hai? Director. When director says cut, when writer says he is happy with my work, my award is received. There my drive, my urge, everything stops. I don’t want to look beyond that,” he said.
Emphasising whose praise truly matters to him, he added, “Kyunki jitna mere director ko pata hai, jitna mere writer ko pata hai, jab unhone kar diya endorse, ‘Arre Paresh Rawal, behtareen,’ khatam ho gayi baat. Aur uske upar kuch gine chune log hain mere, jinmein main maanta hoon, wo agar keh ein ‘Arre kya baat hai,’ to sone pe suhaga ho jaata hai.”
