Abhishek gets UP award amidst criticism

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav conferred the Yash Bharti Award on Abhishek Bachchan at a ceremony in Lucknow on Monday. Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya and late Dr Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Abhisek's grandfather, were conferred with the same in 1994 when Mulayam first became the CM and instituted the award.

It was given to 10 other personalities from UP, including cricketer Mohd Kaif, who could not make it as Team India is on a tour to South Africa.

The award to Abhishek has, however, come under sharp criticism from several noted litterateurs and intellectuals. Mulayam, however, took the critics to task after giving away the award.

“Abhishek has brought immense fame to UP with his contribution to Indian cinema … those pointing a finger at this award are a disgrace to the state… a section of the media has also joined the campaign which is very unfortunate,” he said.

He said Abhishek was an “ideal and a source of inspiration” for millions of youth today.

Playwright Mudra Rakshas, former Lucknow University Vice-Chancellor Roop Rekha Verma and Varanasi-based tabla player Pandit Kishan Maharaj have questioned Mulayam's wisdom in bestowing the award upon Abhishek.

There is also a rumour in political circles that Abhishek is being roped in to campaign for the Samajwadi Party in the coming elections. 

“The Yash Bharti Samman is meant for people who belong to Uttar Pradesh and who have actively contributed to the state in some way. Abhishek’s only credit is that he was born in UP… he has never stayed here… and what has he done for UP?” Roop Rekha Verma said to DNA.

Abhishek was, however, a picture of humility as he received the award. “Main to is samman ke laayak nahin hoon… lekin Uttar Pradesh sarkar ke aadesh aur Mulayam Singh ji ke aagrah ko main taal nahin saka,” he said. (I do not deserve this award. But I could not turn down the insistence of Mulayam Singh.) 

Interestingly, after getting the award, he first touched the feet of Mulayam, and SP leader Amar Singh, before turning to his father and mother.

In his brief address, the Big B had a word of advice for his star son: “I would like to tell Abhishek that this award means more responsibility for him to do more for this state where eight generations of our family have been born.” 

Also referring to Abhishek's marriage, he said:  “Hum to dulhe ki baraat mein aaye hain… yahaan sehra toh Abhishek ke sir par bandhna hai… lekin wo sehra nahin jo aap log soch rahe hain.”

The Yash Bharti Samman carries a cash award of Rs 5 lakh this year, though earlier the amount was Rs 1 lakh. Other renowned personalities to have received it in earlier years include Raj Babbar and Nadira Babbar, film-maker Muzaffar Ali, Bismillah Khan, Shabana Azmi, Kaifi Azmi, actor Rajpal Yadav, Hindi litterateurs Srilal Shukla and Gopal Das ‘Neeraj’, journalist Kuldeep Naiyyar, shooter Jaspal Rana, flutist Hari Prasad Chaurasia, and classical vocalist Girija Devi.