Amol Palekar resigns jury for 49th National Film Awards KS Sethumadhavan steps in.

Eminent Malayalam film maker K S Sethumadhavan will head the feature film jury for the 49th National Film Awards after noted film actor-director, Chairman of the feature film jury for the 49th National Film Awards and Indian Panaroma 2002, Amol Palekar tendered his resignation at the last minute to avoid any impropriety in selection of prize-winning films.

Sethumadhavan's appointment follows the voluntary withdrawal from chairmanship by Palekar because of his brief appearance in one of the entries, an official release stated.

Soon after returning here from the capital, Palekar told PTI today that he resigned yesterday after realising that the film Aks, in which he had a minor role, was also in the competition."I have informed the director of the festival Deepa Sandhu that I am opting out. I also told the jury members about the developments. I am sure this move will set a good precedence as the rule clearly says that any person connected with the film directly or indirectly will not sit in the jury", he said.

When the Directorate officials of the National Film Festival gave me the details of the films which would be screened, I found it also included Aks, Palekar said. "The officials were not aware that I had acted in this film. My name was not mentioned in the credits as my role was only for a minute," he said.

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"However, I felt that though my role in this film was very short, it would not be proper for me to be a member of the jury and judge this film," the actor-director said.

"Moreover in the past when such things have happened, I have been very vociferous to air my criticism. Hence to uphold the dignity and sanctity of the National Award, I have resigned," Palekar added.

PTI