Lyricist Vairamuthu, in a new video, announced that he is declining the prestigious ONV award, which was bestowed upon him. Yesterday, ONV Award jury said that they're re-examining the award after severe backlash.
The recent announcement of the ONV Literary Award to Tamil poet and lyricist Vairamuthu has kicked up a row, with several actors, writers and women’s rights activists criticising the jury’s decision t
Adoor Gopalakrishnan
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Unnerved by an avalanche of criticism, ONV Cultural Academy headed by filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan has decided to review the academy decision to honour Tamil poet and popular lyricist Vairamuthu with the year s prestigious ONV award.
Ever since the award announcement, criticism has been pouring in from several quarters, questioning the rationale behind honouring Vairamuthu against whom several women had raised sexual harassment allegations in the past. Following the recommendation of the award jury, the ONV Cultural Academy has decided to review the decision to present the award to Vairamuthu, said a one sentence communication sent out by Adoor Gopalakrishnan here on Friday. Adoor had initially played down the criticism by saying that the ONV Award for his creative contribution and the same should not be construed as a certificate for good conduct .
Amidst the protest by the celebs and people on social media against Vairamuthu, filmmaker and ONV Cultural Academy president Adoor Gopalakrishnan has defended the decision saying the award is given based on literary merit and not on their character.