Disappointment with Nat awards personal, not directed at anyone: Mehta

Mumbai: Filmmaker Hansal Mehta says he is disappointed after "Aligarh" didn't win at the National Awards but his feeling was personal and not directed at any particular person. After the announcement yesterday, Mehta had taken to Twitter to express his disappointment over his film's snub, which invited criticism from some sections, who felt that the director shouldn't have posted it online. However, Mehta, whose film "Shahid" won him the National award for best director in 2014, has clarified that he was not complaining.

"When I expressed disappointment about the National Awards it was personal and not directed at anybody. I would like to believe that the jury has done its best within their understanding and framework," Mehta tweeted today. "'Aligarh' was not considered worthy in that framework by the appointed juries just like Lunchbox was ignored in the year that Shahid won two National Awards. I didn't complain then and I'm not complaining now either. I've got to respect the decision and move on."

Mehta's film Aligarh", based on the life of an AMU professor who was sacked on charges of homosexuality, received a lot appreciation. The 48-year-old director says what hurt him most was National Film Awards chairperson Priyadarshan's comment that most Bollywood movies this year were themed around homosexuality and did not highlight social problems, unlike some regional movies.

"This statement is disturbing and insensitive. It makes you wonder and worry about LGBTQ rights and their absence in the current mindsets as social problems," Mehta posted. "Priyadarshan sir Aligarh did not meet the standards set by you and your jury I accept that but your views on homosexuality not figuring as a fantastic social issue rankles."