Eminent script writer Salim Khan and father of superstar Salman Khan has turned down the government of India’s prestigious Padma Shri award, the fourth highest civilian award claiming the award belittles his contribution and he deserves Padma Bhushan award instead.
It may be noted that Salim Khan is the renowned writer who along with Javed Akhtar made the inimitable team of Salim Javed in the 70’s and gave as many as 19 Golden Jubilee hits in a row! Their hit list includs super hit films like ZANJEER, DEEWAAR, SHOLAY, TRISHUL, SEETA AUR GEETA, YADOON KI BARAAT, DON, KRANTI, SHAAN, SHAKTI, MR. INDIA etc.
Explaining the reason for declining the top honor an annoyed Salim Khan said, “It is really tragic that even after 55 years and over 40 films, the government is giving me a Padma Shri award, which my juniors have received quite long back.”
He added, “What’s most aching is that while my earstwhile partner, Javed Akhtar, has received both a Padma Shri and a Padma Bhushan, and I am offered just a Padma Shri that too after so many years.”
Supporting Salim Khan, eminent editor of Screen cine weekly, Udaya Tara Nayar said, “Its true Salim Khan’s contribution to Indian Cinema is massive. If they wanted to honour him, they could have given him the Padma Bhushan or Padma Vibhushan."
But dirty politics is the part of every award and the government’s civilian Padma awards are no exception.
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