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EXCLUSIVE: Vivek Agnihotri on lack of Bollywood representation for Padma Awards; Says ‘I am definitely upset’
Padma Awards were announced on Monday. Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri adds that he wants the film industry to be awarded for its immense contribution
Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian awards in India, were announced on Monday which included 7 Padma Vibhushan recipients, 10 Padma Bhushan winners and 102 Padma Shri Awardees. The late legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam was also posthumously honoured with a Padma Vibushan, which was celebrated by actor Chiranjeevi and music composer Devi Sri Prasad on Twitter. However, there was a lack of Bollywood representation in the winner’s list this year, which became a topic of discussion on the social media platforms.
Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri states he is indeed upset about the lack of Bollywood representation for Padma Awards. “In fact, I had even tweeted about it whether it is a new ‘new’ that nobody from Bollywood has been awarded. But then I got a reply from someone responsible who said that it may be because nothing has happened in Bollywood in the last one year,” says Agnihotri. Remind him that certain films had indeed released theatrically in the first quarter of 2020 and a lot more had later been unveiled on the OTT platforms, he says, “There was Coolie No. 1 and Laxmii so nothing happened there.” 
He further adds, “Also, these are done by the public and people vote for it. Maybe another reason could be that there was a lot of controversy around Bollywood, and people didn't find anyone worthy. But I seriously don’t like it. I definitely want the film industry to be awarded as it’s contribution is immense. We influence people and we impact lives.”
Vivek says that it's fine to criticize and gossip around the film industry, but one can’t ignore it’s contribution in the field of arts and culture. “So I am definitely upset and also let’s not forget the film industry’s contribution to the economy. It showcases your culture, history, architecture and so much more,” Vivek signs off.
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