Guwahati: Minister for Cultural Affairs Bimal Borah stated that Nahid Afrin was selected for the award, not for the song, after the controversy surrounding Nahid receiving the accolade at the Assam State Film Awards in error.
Borah explained, “The process starts with the Producers submitting an application form where the producer of the movie ‘Nijanor Gaan’ mentioned Nahid Afrin but not the name of the song. While the jury members were listening to all the songs of the movie, maybe they had a discussion and tough competition was there. However, until and unless the producer does not nominate the song or the artist, the jury cannot select the said song or artist for the award. There might be a human error due to which this has turned into a controversy.”
He said, “As there was mention of Nahid Afrin in the application form, so she has received the honor though the name of the song was wrongfully presented on the certificate. She received the award for Natun Ejaak. There is no need for her to return the award.”
“Nahid Afrin was selected for the award, not the song,” he added.
It should be mentioned that as it became clear that Nahid Afrin had received the Best Playback Singer award at the 8th State Film Awards ceremony for a song she wasn’t actually in, a significant uproar broke out on social media.
Nahid Afrin won the Pratima Pandey Barua Award for Best Playback Singer (Women) during the ceremony for the song “Neelate Luka Bhaku” from the film Nijanor Gaan,.
Rupjyoti Devi and Zubeen Garg sang the song instead of Nahid Afrin.
As soon as the news broke on social media, it was widely criticised in the state’s cultural division.
However, the song’s original performer posted a photo of Nahid accepting the honour from Assembly speaker Biswajit Daimary along with a copy of the award’s certificate on Facebook. She also shared a YouTube screenshot.
“CONGRATULATIONS Nahid Afrin for receiving prestigious 8th Assam State Film Award for this song,” her caption read.