Rapper Vedan unfazed amid State award controversy, emphasises 'My music deserves recognition'

Vedan, who won the Best Lyricist Award at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards, remains unfazed even amid the barrage of criticisms against honouring an assault accused.

Vedan

Malayalam rapper Vedan winning the Best Lyricist Award at the recently declared 55th Kerala State Film Awards sparked a major row as he had been accused and even arrested in a sexual assault case. But Vedan, who won the State honour for the Manjummel Boys soundtrack Kuthanthram, remains unfazed even amid the barrage of brickbats, stating that he takes “all the criticism in a positive way”. Noted scriptwriter Deedi Damodaran are among those who denounced the honour to an assault accused, even as jury members such as Gayatri Asokan have stood by their decision to award Vedan for his talent.

Vedan on Kerala State Film Award

Emphasising that the allegations against him have no link to his music which deserves recognition, Vedan told OTTplay in an exclusive interview, “I have been reading a lot of articles suggesting I shouldn't have received the award because of the claims and political inclination. But all I have to say is that the allegations have no connection to my work or that I am not involved in any politics.”

"There will be different perspectives on this achievement, but I'm glad that numerous independent artists here will be inspired by this recognition," he added.

The young rapper-songwriter ironically finds women supporters, including Gayatri Asokan, a member of the 55th Kerala State Film Awards jury. Gayatri, a singer herself, opined that Vedan's groundbreaking concepts are what made him worthy of the accolade. “It was my responsibility as a jury member to identify a contemporary artist who writes honestly. This specific soundtrack took a more autobiographical approach and spoke for a marginalised group. There's nothing wrong with appreciating relatable lyrics," she added.

Also Read: Shruthi Sharanyam on 55th Kerala State Film Awards: 'Jury took a male-centric approach...'| Exclusive

Deedi Damodaran slams State Award for Vedan

However, Deedi Damodaran, who has been vocal about woman’s issues in the Malayalam film industry, refused to accept that art should be rewarded irrespective of the artist’s failings, in this case sexual harassment. Deedi, an active member of the Women Cinema Collective in Kerala, had also challenged the morality of the government's viewpoint and the jury's verdict, pointing out the inconsistency between the award determination and the state's dedication to women's safety.

Filmmaker Shruthi Sharanyam also expressed her disapproval of the awards, characterising them as a gesture that primarily promoted male gazing.

FAQs

Q. Who has won the Kerala Best Actor Award?

A. Mammootty has won the Best Actor Award at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards, announced on Monday by the government. The veteran actor won the award for the performance in Bramayugam.

Q. Who is the Best Actress in Kerala State Film Awards?

A. Shamla Hamza wins the Best Actress Award for the critically acclaimed film Feminichi Fathima.

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