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On August 1 when the 71st National Film Awards were announced Shah Rukh Khan’s fans erupted in joy — the superstar had finally won his first National Award for Best Actor (Jawan) after 33 years in cinema. But not everyone was convinced the decision was fair. Actor Urvashi who bagged Best Supporting Actress for Ullozhukku publicly questioned the jury’s reasoning pointing out what she felt were inconsistencies in the awards. What did Urvashi say? Speaking to Asianet News Urvashi asked “Vijayaraghavan is such a great actor. What exactly did the jury consider to distinguish between Vijayaraghavan’s and Shah Rukh Khan’s performances? How did one become a supporting actor and the other the best actor? On what criteria? We should raise such questions as we too are taxpaying citizens.” She argued that Vijayaraghavan’s portrayal in Pookkaalam was far from a small feat — it required physical transformation and intense preparation. She revealed that she had declined a role opposite him in the same film because of the long makeup hours required. “Even if you pay me crores I wouldn’t do it. But he at his age endured all of that and performed. That alone deserves at least a Special Mention.” The awards in question Shah Rukh Khan shared the Best Actor award with Vikrant Massey (12th Fail). Vijayaraghavan received Best Supporting Actor for his role as a 100-year-old man in Pookkaalam. Urvashi shared Best Supporting Actress with Janki Bodiwala (Vash). Urvashi stressed her concerns weren’t about undermining anyone’s talent but about transparency. “That’s all I’m asking — there must be some fairness.” Who is Urvashi? Urvashi is a veteran of South Indian cinema with a career spanning over four decades and more than 700 films in Malayalam Tamil Telugu Kannada and Hindi. She started acting at age 10 and has two National Film Awards six Kerala State Film Awards and two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards to her name. Her acclaimed performances include Kazhakam Achuvinte Amma and Charles Enterprises.