Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has made significant claims about the integrity of major film awards. He stated that lobbying influences both India’s prestigious National Awards and the international Academy Awards, known as the Oscars.
Rawal shared his views during a recent podcast appearance with Raj Shamani. He discussed the role of lobbying in awards ceremonies.
He believes that “a little lobbying” occurs within the National Awards process. While acknowledging its prestige, he differentiates it from other awards, which he suggests are less credible.
The actor emphasized that such lobbying efforts are not limited to India. He specifically called out the Oscars, stating that influence and networking heavily drive the process.
Rawal detailed that large parties are organized as part of lobbying. He added that all Academy members are actively swayed by these efforts.
Despite his insights into the awards landscape, Rawal expressed no personal desire to win any specific award. He seeks genuine appreciation and recognition from his directors and creative collaborators.
Rawal himself received the National Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1993. This honor was for his roles in the films ‘Chokri’ and ‘Sardar’.
On the work front, Rawal recently appeared in ‘The Taj Story,’ portraying a guide. He also played a pivotal role as the father of Ayushmann Khurrana’s character in ‘Thama,’ released around Diwali.