Words Should Be Countered With Words, Not With Murder And Violence: Prakash Raj
Udupi: Senior actor Prakash Raj who had triggered a huge controversy with his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was honoured with ‘Shivarama Karanth Huttura Prashasti’ on Tuesday amidst opposition from the BJP and other saffron outfits.
Recently, Prakash Raj had questioned the PM’s silence on the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh at a programme in Bengaluru which prompted saffron outfits to stage the protest against conferring the award on him. He even threatened to return all his awards given by the Central government agencies in protest against the PM's silence over the murder of Gauri Lankesh.
Despite the stiff opposition, Kotatattu panchayat which is ruled by members backing the BJP, decided to go ahead and present the award to the popular actor who has excelled in villain roles across all south Indian movies. Raj was given a grand welcome and confered the award on Tuesday evening.
Expressing his happiness over receiving the award, Raj said, “It is like coming to my grandfather’s place. I am like a grandson of Karanth. If I am straight forward, I am not to be blamed, Karanth, Lankesh and Tejaswi are responsible,” he said.
Prakash Raj said that despite the opposition, he received the award respecting the sentiments of fans of Shivarama Karanth. “There is a planned plot to create fear which is dangerous. Isn't there freedom of speech? Words should be countered with words, not with murder and violence. Isn’t an effort to stop somebody from speaking equal to violence? What is the mistake in speaking out? I speak for myself,” Raj said.
However, the actor declined to react to the BJP's protest saying, "To protest is their right. Karanth too had said this. It is not important who had won or lost. The award had to be conferred and it has been done. This is a moment of defeat for those trying to curb freedom of expression. Targeting me on personal issues will not work. Like Karanth, I will not withdraw from my decisions,” he said.
