Hyderabad: ‘Thandel’ actress Sai Pallavi, who lost the National Award to Nithya Menen last year, recently opened up about her craving for the recognition.
In an interview with Galatta Plus, the actress shared that she longs to bag a National Award so that she can wear the saree gifted by her grandmother.
“I’ve always wanted a National Award because when I was around 21 years old, my granny gave me a saree and said, wear this for your wedding. That time she was very sick and had undergone surgery. So that time I thought marriage was next, I hadn’t done my first film yet. As I was nearing 23-24 I did Premam,” she said.
She added, “Then I thought, okay, someday I’ll win some big award. That time, the National Award was the big award. So, for me, the National Award is directly connected to the saree. Whether I hope for it or the pressure is there, it’s only as far as this. But honestly, if people are able to feel what my character feels on-screen, that’s my job, and that’s enough. Whatever comes after that is just a bonus for me to feel good. I value this a little more than that.”
When the actress was not conferred the National Award last year, her fans took to social media to express their disappointment.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
Sharing a still of Sai from Gargi, a fan wrote, “ROBBED.”
Another commented, “Sai Pallavi deserved Best Actress for Gargi. No offence to Nitya Menon but Gargi role had more emotion and very heavy to carry by an actress comparing to Shobana from Thiruchitrambalam.”
A fan posted, “Sai Pallavi as #GARGI deserves a National Award more than anyone else…the script, the Screenplay, the PERFORMANCE everything about the movie is on top class. Disappointed with the #NationalFilmAwards announcement.”
Another agreed, “Sai Pallavi deserves a National Award for her performance in #Gargi. It’s a total disappointment with the #NationalFilmAwards.”
“Sai Pallavi did in #Gargi was exceptional, extraordinary & mindblowing. She lived as the character, which is not easy to perform. She deserves the National Award more than anyone else. You will be loved forever Gargi, regardless of awards, One of the finest performances by Sai Pallavi,” wrote another.
Sai Pallavi as #GARGI deserves a National Award more than anyone else…the script, the Screenplay, the PERFORMANCE everything about the movie is on top class 🥺♥️
Disappointed with the #NationalFilmAwards announcement 💔@Sai_Pallavi92 #SaiPallavi#70thNationalFilmAwards pic.twitter.com/vj0enI8ygE
— Sai Pallavi FC™ (@SaipallaviFC) August 16, 2024
A national award would be well-deserved recognition for #SaiPallavi for her exceptional acting range in #Gargi 🛐❤️🔥She fully immersed herself in the Character! She conveyed the complex emotions of #Gargi ♥️
No matter what, YOU ARE THE BESTEST @Sai_Pallavi92 👑❤️🔥Thanku for GARGI! pic.twitter.com/aJUTNSaoId
— Saipallavi.Fangirl07™ (@SaiPallavi_FG07) August 16, 2024
Meanwhile, on the work front, the actress’ recently released movie ‘Thandel’ along with Naga Chaitanya left audience impressed.
In the film, Sai played the role of an estranged lover of a fisherman (played by Chaitanya), who accidentally drifts into Pakistani waters.
She will be next seen in Bollywood film ‘Ramayana’ opposite Ranbir Kapoor.
