Award functions are big occasions for aspiring professionals to push forth their name in the limelight. The recently concluded Filmfare Awards offered a grand stage for actors and professionals working in the industry. Nominees tend to prepare speeches for the special occasion in case they win. Usually these speeches include a number of people towards whom they want to express their gratitude and dedicate the award to. However, one Indian actor did something very rare upon receiving the award.
Rajshri Deshpande won the Filmfare OTT award for the Best Actor (Female) for her role in Trial By Fire. Giving her acceptance speech, Rajshri dedicated her award to all the innocent people and children who have lost their lives in Gaza and Palestine during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
This is a very rare occasion as in India, most professionals prefer not to talk about anything political at any big stage. Her decision to dedicate her award to Gaza is seen as a brave and bold statement. Her speech is seen as moving by many people and an encouragement for others to feel free to talk about issues even when they are political.
The practice to dedicate awards to political causes and make controversial statements at big events is a common practice in the West. However, in recent times we have seen many professionals losing their jobs for their public political support for one side or the other in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
