National Film Awards 2018: Prez to honour only 11, winners to skip function

Artistes said they were disheartened and 'felt dejected rather than honoured'

Out of the feeling of dejection, more than 60 winners of the National Film Awards on Thursday in an open letter said they will skip the award function at Vigyan Bhawan as President Ram Nath Kovind will present only 11 awards.

Rashtrapati Bhawan in a statement expressed "surprise" at the "11th hour questions" and said the president attends every award ceremony for a maximum of one hour, which has been a protocol since he took office, adding this was conveyed to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry weeks ago.

"President attends all award functions and convocations for a maximum of one