What Is The Controversy Around Duniya Vijay At SIIMA Over 'Insult To Kannadigas'? Watch Video

Kannada actor Duniya Vijay made headlines after openly criticizing the organisers of the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA), held in Dubai on Friday, September 5. The event, celebrated for honoring talent across South Indian cinema, came under scrutiny when Vijay accused the organisers of showing blatant disrespect towards Kannada cinema.

While receiving his award, Vijay did not mince words, pointing out how Kannada awards were presented only after the auditorium had almost emptied. "Do not conduct the programme this way. Many newcomers have travelled all the way here, and it is painful for them. Every time, Kannada awards are handed out at the very end, as if Kannada cinema holds no value. Kannada industry has equal importance. It deserves respect," he stated firmly on stage.

Speaking further to the media, Duniya Vijay elaborated on the unfair treatment Kannada artists received. He revealed that awards for the Telugu film industry were distributed first, while Kannada awardees had to wait until the end of the event. "By the time Kannada artists went up to receive their awards, most of the other stars from different languages had already left. It appeared as though we were there merely for camera shots. This is an outright insult," he said.

Vijay expressed further disappointment that while a few deserving artists were recognized, many others were ignored. He pointedly mentioned that despite the success of his previous film Salaga, he did not receive a single award, hinting at a predetermined decision-making process. "It seems like everything is planned in advance. I may never participate in this event again," he remarked.

Blaming the organisers for the unequal treatment, Vijay stressed that the responsibility lies with the authorities overseeing Kannada representation at SIIMA. He urged Kannada artists to seriously consider boycotting the event if such practices persist in the future.

"This is a matter of dignity," he added, "The in-charge for Kannada cinema should handle this properly. Next time, I will not attend. Let them give awards to whoever they wish, but we should not tolerate this disrespect."