Filmmaker Priyadarshan, who headed the jury of National Film Awards 2017, revealed that he has not signed actor Akshay Kumar in any of his upcoming films. The director faced backlash after Khiladi Kumar won the Best Actor award at National Film Awards 2017 for Rustom.
When Akshay won the National Award for the first time, wishes started pouring on social media. But there were few, who stated that Priyadarshan was biased and chose Akshay because of his close proximity with him. It was also being said that he awarded the actor because Akshay is featuring in few films of his home production.
Priyadarshan laughed off the rumours saying that he is not doing any project with Akshay. He added that he is in talks with actors Abhishek Bachchan and Ajay Devgn for his two upcoming films. For tentatively titled Bachchan Singh, junior B will be seen playing the lead. The director has approached Ajay for the remake of Oppam.
The Bhool Bhulaiyya director further said that the jury had artists from all the country and various regional movies and just because he was the chairperson, he can’t influence the 12 members jury. He added that it was a unanimous decision to give the Best Actor Award to Akshay.
Akshay, who is currently shooting for Twinkle Khanna’s maiden home production Padman, has previously worked with Priyadarshan in films like Garam Masala, Hera Pheri and De Dana Dan.
