Urvashi protests National Awards selection: 'Was happy when Fahadh Faasil and Parvathy Thiruvothu took a stand'

Urvashi played the lead role of Leelamma in Ullozhukku, and she won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress. However, she was adjudged the Best Supporting Actress by the National Awards jury.

Urvashi, Parvathy, Fahadh Faasil

News in Short

* Urvashi, who won the National Film Awards for Best Supporting actress, has voiced her protest over the award criteria.

* She was awarded Best Supporting actress for her performance in Ullozhukku, though she played the lead role in the Malayalam drama film

* The veteran actress also recounted the 2018 instance when Fahadh Faasil and Parvathy Thiruvothu also refused to accept the National Awards.

The 71st National Film Awards were announced last week, but questions continue to be raised about the award selection criteria that saw Malayalam actress Urvashi being judged as the Best Supporting Actress, though she played the lead role. Now, Urvashi has protested National Awards selection, stating that she has not decided whether to receive the award or not. She further recounted the instance in 2018 when Fahadh Faasil and Parvathy Thiruvothu took a stance.

Urvashi on National Film Awards

Urvashi played the lead role of Leelamma in the Malayalam film Ullozhukku, and she won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress for her moving performance as a mother-in-law, grappling with the loss of her son. However, she was adjudged the Best Supporting Actress by the National Awards jury, which has raised many eyebrows. In a recent interview with The News Minute, the iconic actress, who has proved her acting prowess in films across south industries, said that the National Awards should be given purely for talent.

"When the Union government gives you an award, the attitude should not be that we have to shut up and accept their decision. I was happy when Fahadh Faasil and Parvathy Thiruvothu took a stand in 2018," she told the portal. Parvathy Thiruvothu played the other key role in Ullozhukku along with Urvashi.

Also read: 71st National Film Awards: Urvashi, Vijayaraghavan and Ullozhuku clinch top honours, but Malayalis still disappointed

Fahadh Faasil won the best supporting actor award for Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, while Parvathy fetched a Special Jury Mention for the film Take Off in 2018. But the noted actors refused to accept the award after it was announced that the Indian President would not be handing over the awards, contrary to the customs.

Also read: Ullozhukku review: Urvashi, Parvathy Captivate In A Flawlessly Written Film

Malayalam actor Vijayaraghavan also won the Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Pookkalam, but he also played the lead role. Another controversial issue being raised is The Kerala Story winning the Best Director Award, while Prithviraj Sukumaran’s film Aadujeevitham failed to get any laurels at the National Awards.

FAQs

Q. How many times did Urvashi get the National Award?

A. Urvashi has won the National Award twice. She won the National Award for her performance in Achuvinte Amma in 2005 and was recently announced as the Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Ullozhukku.

Q.Which Malayalam actress won the National Award?

A. Malayalam actress Urvashi won the Best Supporting Actress at the 71st National Awards, announced on August 1, 2025.

Q. What is the relationship between Kalpana and Urvashi?

A. Urvashi and Kalpana are sisters. Actress Kalpana, the elder sister of Urvashi, is mostly known for her comedy roles. Kalpana passed away in 2016.

Q. How many husbands did Urvashi have?

A. Urvashi was first married to actor Manoj K Jayan, but they got divorced. She later married Shivaprasad.

Share