Kannada actor Kichcha Sudeep, on Thursday, declined to accept the Karnataka State Award for Best Actor for his role in the 2019 sports drama 'Pailwaan', stating that he had stopped receiving awards several years ago. He also apologised to the jury for disappointing them and said that there were many other capable actors who must be awarded for their craft.

Sudeep took to his X handle and wrote, "Respected Government of Karnataka and Members of the Jury, it is truly a privilege to have received the state award in 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 awards for several years now, a decision made for various personal reasons that I intend to uphold."

He went on to say that he would rather want the jury to present the award to someone who would "appreciate" it than receiving it himself. "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," he wrote.

"My dedication to entertaining people has always been without the expectation of awards, and this acknowledgment from the jury alone serves as a significant boost for me to continue striving for excellence," he added.

Concluding the note with an apology, Sudeep wrote, "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 honorable members of the jury and the state government for recognizing my work and considering me for this award."

The State Annual Film Awards for 2019 were announced by the Karnataka government on Wednesday. While Kichcha Sudeep won the Best Actor award for 'Pailwaan', Anupama Gowda was declared as the winner of the Best Actress award for her role in 'Trayambakam'.

The State Annual Film Awards jury is yet to respond to Sudeep's refusal.

On the work front, Sudeep will be next seen in director Anup Bhandari's upcoming film 'Billa Ranga Baasha'. The film's concept video was released by makers on Sudeep's 51st birthday in September 2024.

The makers have made sure to keep the story of the film heavily under wraps creating anticipation among Sudeep's fans. The release date of the film is yet to be announced.