The artists are a sensitive lot, but that is no justification for their sullen and unbecoming behaviour at the 65th National Film Awards ceremony last week in New Delhi. To insist that all the 125 winners who were supposed to be bestowed these prestigious awards be personally handed these by President Ram Nath Kovind was insensitive and unreasonable. The boycott by 50-odd award winners because the I & B Minister Smriti Irani and her number two, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, were to hand over the awards was a needless protest. Sulking artists do not make a pretty picture, especially when they covet state recognition.
Admittedly, a photograph receiving the award at the hands of the Head of the Republic rather than a mere minister seems far more impressive on the wall of one’s drawing room, but, nonetheless, the value of the award in both cases remains undiminished. Ultimately, it is the recognition from the people that should matter the most to the artists. But hankering after State patronage is a malaise that afflicts all walks of life, even the popular arts and culture.