Actor Kichcha Sudeep declined the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor for his role in Pailwaan, citing personal reasons. He thanked the jury and expressed happiness for other deserving actors.
The film released in 2019.
Actor Kichcha Sudeep has chosen to decline the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor, which he won for his role in the 2019 sports drama Pailwaan. The actor explained that he stopped accepting awards several years ago for personal reasons. On Thursday, he took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the reason behind his decision to decline the honour.
Respected Government of Karnataka and Members of the Jury, It is truly a privilege to have received the state award under the best actor category, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to the respected jury for this honor. However, I must express that I have chosen to stop receiving…
— Kichcha Sudeepa (@KicchaSudeep) January 23, 2025
Kichcha Sudeep thanked the Government of Karnataka and the jury for honouring him with the Best Actor award. He said, “Respected Government of Karnataka and Members of the Jury, it is truly a privilege to have received the state award under the best actor category, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to the respected jury for this honour. However, I must express that I have chosen to stop receiving awards for several years now, a decision made for various personal reasons that I intend to uphold.”
The actor went on to add, “There are many deserving actors who have poured their hearts into their craft and would appreciate this prestigious recognition far more than I would. It will only make me happier to see one of them receiving it. My dedication to entertaining people has always been without the expectation of awards, and this acknowledgement from the jury alone serves as a significant boost for me to continue striving for excellence”.
Kichcha Sudeep thanked the jury members for recognising his work and selecting him for the award. “This recognition is, in itself, my reward. I sincerely apologise to the jury members and the state government for any disappointment my decision may cause, and I trust you will respect my choice and support me on the path I have chosen. Once again, I thank the honourable members of the jury and the state government for recognising my work and considering me for this award,” he added.
On Wednesday, the Karnataka government announced the 2019 State Film Awards. Kichcha Sudeep won Best Actor for Pailwaan, and Anupama Gowda won Best Actress for Trayambakam.
