Prominent actor-thespian Supriyo Dutta returns the ‘Natya Academy Award’ given by the West Bengal state government

After Chandan Sen, Biplab Banerjee, Sudipta Chakraborty, actor-thespian Supriyo Dutta decided to return the Natya Academy Award bestowed upon him by the West Bengal state government. The acclaimed artist expressed his wish to return the honourary award and wrote, “In January 24, 2021, I was awarded West Bengal Natya Academy Award for Outstanding Character Actor (Full Length Drama Category) at Shishir Mancha.In the wake of the present situation surrounding the incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the role of the ruler has shocked me. Every step taken by the government and its police have proved how desperate they are to hide the truth. As a father of a daughter in this situation, I am scared, terrified.”
Supriyo added, “Besides, I understood from the words of my friend and currently the representative of the government, Kanchan Mullick, that the authority actually buys loyalty in exchange for rewards and honours. The government wants a battalion of spineless flatterers. Kanchan Babu's statement is actually the government's announced (or unannounced) order – whether true or not. In this situation, I chose the path of truth.” Supriyo wrote, “I want to be free of shame by returning all the awards and prize money received to the government. You accept and oblige me. Wish you good health.”
A few days ago, actor-politician and an MLA of Trinamool Congress Kanchan Mallick urged the protestors to return the award they had been bestowed by the government. Chandan Sen, Biplab Banerjee and Sudipta Chakraborty have already declared to return their prestigious awards citing that they felt humiliated due to their colleague’s statement.
Supriyo revealed that he was already in lot of pain due to the RG Kar rape-murder incident. The actor expressed his anger and hurt and said that he felt humiliated after Kanchan’s statement. The actor also mentioned that although he was bestowed with the award with respect, he felt it was pointless to keep the award keeping the current scenario in mind.