Here's why Kichcha Sudeep turned down Karnataka government's best actor award

Bengaluru: Kannada actor Kichcha Sudeep on Thursday declined the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor.

A day after the awards for 2019 were announced, the actor wrote on X that while he feels privileged to have received the state award, he has "chosen to stop receiving awards for several years now".

"A decision made for various personal reasons that I intend to uphold," he wrote on X, addressing it to the government of Karnataka and the members of the jury.

The Karnataka State Film Awards for the calendar year 2019, which was long overdue, was announced on Wednesday. Sudeep was chosen as the best actor for the film Pailwan in which he played an orphan who becomes a wrestler and boxer.

In his post, the actor also acknowledged the jury for choosing him for the award.

"I am grateful to every jury member for selecting me, as 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," his statement on X read.

Many fans of the actor appreciated his decision on X.

M Narasimhalu, president of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce told DH, "The government's motive in presenting awards is to encourage and appreciate the artistes." He refused to comment on the actor refusing to accept the award and said, "He has personal reasons."

In August last year, Sudeep declined an honorary doctorate from Tumakuru University. The actor had said, he has not made any significant societal contributions and that his work was just for personal satisfaction. He had also added that many people working towards the betterment of the society go unnoticed.

The actor was last seen in the film 'Max' directed by Vijay Karthikeyan released last month and became a box office hit.