Bollywood veteran Paresh Rawal has never shied away from calling things as they are. This time, the actor got candid about the credibility of film awards, from the National Awards to the Oscars. Speaking in a conversation with Raj Shamani, Rawal admitted that even the most respected awards are not entirely free from bias.
He said, “Aaward mujhe to pata hi nahi hai. Ek baat main yeh bhi kahun ki National Award mein thoda bahut (lobbying) zarur hota hoga. Utna nahi hai jitna baaki awards mein hota hai. Baaki award ki to baat karo ya na karo, koi farq nahi padta. National Award to National Award hai, pratishthit hai.”
With that, Rawal highlighted an uncomfortable truth, even the most prestigious awards may have traces of influence behind them.
Is lobbying limited to Indian awards?
The actor didn’t stop there. He went on to point out that lobbying isn’t just an Indian problem; it exists globally, even at the Oscars.
He explained, “Lobbying for Oscar awards mein bhi hoti hai aur yeh prakriya aksar influence aur networking se chalti hai. Woh kehte hain ki haan bhaiya, Raj ki picture hai. Chalo, jitne academy ke member hain, sabko whip up kiya jaata hai.”
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His words suggest that film recognition, even on the world stage, often depends on how strong a film’s network and campaign are, not purely on talent or creativity.
What does true recognition mean to Paresh Rawal?
For someone like Paresh Rawal, who has spent decades delivering memorable performances, awards are not the ultimate validation. The actor said his real award comes from the people he works with, his directors and writers.
He shared, “Award khud mein fraternity ki taraf se ek manyata hai. Lekin mere liye fraternity kaun represent karta hai? Director. Jab director kehte hain cut, jab writer kehte hain ki woh mere kaam se khush hain, tabhi mera award mil jaata hai. Wahan meri drive, meri ichha, sab khatam ho jaati hai. Main usse aage dekhne ki ichha nahi rakhta.”
For him, the joy lies in the appreciation that comes directly from his creative circle, the people who understand his craft deeply.
Whose praise matters most to him?
Paresh Rawal further emphasised that genuine appreciation from a select few is far more rewarding than any trophy.
He said, “Jitna mere director ko pata hai, jitna mere writer ko pata hai, jab unhone keh diya ki ‘arre Paresh Rawal, behtareen,’ khatam ho gayi baat. Aur uske upar kuch chune hue log hain mere, jinhe main maanta hoon, woh agar kahen ‘arre kya baat hai,’ to sone pe suhaga ho jaata hai.”
His words reflect the mindset of a true artist, one who values the essence of art over the glamour of validation.
Highlights:
- Paresh Rawal admits even National Awards have “a bit of lobbying.”
- The actor says the Oscars, to,o are influenced by networking and campaigns.
- For Rawal, appreciation from his director or writer is the real award.