The National Film Awards (NFA) and controversy have been inseparable in recent times. Until the mid-1990s, the central government-mandated awards were widely perceived as recognition for cinematic excellence, pure and simple, no pulls and pressures entertained. Instituted in 1953, these awards were reserved for filmmakers, technicians and actors working outside of popular Indian cinema.
The scenario is no longer the same. Bollywood biggies, who once pooh-poohed these awards as elitist and of no particular use to them, now hanker after them, seduced by the great prestige in receiving trophies and certificates. . .