Thiruvananthapuram, May 7 (PTI) Well-known film personality Adoor Gopalakrishnan today defended the boycott of the 65th National Film Awards function in New Delhi by some artistes, saying "their sentiments are justified."

"It is a prestigious matter for artistes and technicians to receive the awards from the President. The sentiments of the artistes boycotting the function are justified," he told reporters here.

The photos taken on the occasion are framed and gets pride of place in the awardee's house, Gopalakrishnan, who has won several international and national awards, said.

The presentation of the awards by the president should not be seen as trivial, the noted director said.

The ceremony could have been held on two days if shortage of time for the President was the reason as in the case of the Padma awards, he said adding otherwise the Vice-President should have presented them.

More than 60 recipients skipped the ceremony on May 3 to express their disappointment over President Ram Nath Kovind's decision to present only 11 awards, a departure from established tradition.

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