After ‘Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara’ director Jahnu Barua angry remarks to the Star Screen Awards jury for nominating him in the ‘best debut director’ category, now Anupam Kher - the lead actor and producer of the film has come in support of Jahnu Barua.

He criticized Screen Awards, “How could they nominate my director Jahnu Barua in the ‘best debut’ category? Barua has made many films in his native language Assamese and won innumerable national and international awards. Just because they think ‘Maine Gandhi …’ is Jahnu’s first feature film they’ve chosen to insult him, me and the film.”

“I thank god that Satyajit Ray’s first Hindi film ‘Shatranj Ke Khiladi’ was made many years ago. Today, he’d probably have been nominated for best debutant for ‘Shatranj Ke Khiladi’,” Kher added. Since his and Jahnu Barua reactions had no affects on the jury therefore Kher has decided to stay away from the Screen Awards function on January 15.

“My decision is irreversible. It’s an insult to the director and me. My Gandhian film got honored in Pakistan. And this is how they honor the film and its maker in Mumbai? So, no thanks! I am not reconsidering my decision to attend the awards. Sometimes your absence is the best way of making your presence felt.”