Actor Vijay Sethupathi has established himself to be a powerhouse talent when it comes to delivering films on a consistent basis.
Lovingly called by fans as ‘Makkal Selvan’, the actor recently spoke about how he would not accept the National Award, if awarded to him, as the deserving legendary actor Sivaji Ganesan was not awarded one. Vijay Sethupathi stated the reason for such a thing holds for all awards and Sivaji Ganesan not receiving the National honor could probably be because of the politics involved. He then went on to shower praises on the 'Nadigar Thilagam' saying Sivaji was one actor who would never back down from a challenge of taking up any role given to him.
Despite the common criticism that Sivaji did a lot of overacting, Vijay Sethupathi states the iconic actor will remain a book for budding artistes. The 'Nadigar Thilagam' did go on to receive the National Film Award – Special Jury Award for Thevar Magan in 1992, but never the National Film Award for Best Actor.
It must be noted that M. G. Ramachandran was awarded the National Film Award for Best Actor in 1971 for the film Rickshawkaran.
Kamal Haasan too has received the National Award for Best Actor thrice (Moondram Pirai in 1981, Nayagan in 1988 and Indian in 1996).
