National Award row: Saif Ali Khan comes in support of Akshay Kumar

Mumbai: Justifying Bollywood superstar and co-star of his several films Akshay Kumar for getting National Award for ‘Rustom’ and ‘Airlift’, actor Saif Ali Khan on Thursday said even he was ridiculed for the same when he was honoured with the prestigious award.

He said few joked about him winning National Award for 'Hum Tum' and in that case giving the prestigious honour to Akki is completely justified.

"There has been uproar about Akshay's win at the National Awards. Someone joked if I can get National Award for 'Hum Tum', it's okay for Akshay Kumar to win. A lot of people actually think I won for ‘Omkara’, not ‘Hum Tum’. I take a little offence when people joke about my National Award win," said Saif Ali Khan while speaking to a leading daily.

'Rangoon' actor said he was forced to return his award but he did not believe in the concept of 'award wapsi'.

Also read: Why Akshay Kumar got National award and not Aamir Khan? Read

“There are people who have been saying that I should return my award. But if someone is unhappy with the institution and wish to return his/her award. It’s great. Maybe it was a publicity stunt”, Saif said.

The National Award row had begun amid he mixed reactions on social media after Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar being given Best Actor award for Rustom at the 64th National Film Awards.

The social media was divided with few section of people questioning snub of Aamir Khan for ‘Dangal’ while others supporting Khiladi Kumar.

Also read: Submit Aamir Khan challenges Akshay Kumar for Box Office clash !!!

Chairperson of the National Awards Jury Priyadarshan had said that Khiladi Kumar was given the honour for his stellar performance in both 'Rustom' and 'Airlift'.

It may be mentioned here that both Akshay and Saif have shared screen in several films including 'Mai Khiladi Tu Anari', 'Aarzoo', 'Tashan' etc.

On work front, Saif Ali Khan will be next seen in the Hollywood remake of 'Chef'. The film will be helmed by 'Airlift' fame director Raja Krishna Menon.