Even though writers, directors and also a scientist recently returned their national awards for protesting against intolerance in the country, Tamil actor Kamal Haasan refused to join the list by calling it a “futile exercise”.

In an interview in Hyderabad on Tuesday, he said that he is against returning national awards and claimed, “India has always been intolerant and we must fight intellectually.”

He said that intolerance should be fought intellectually through debates.

He also added, "You will insult the government and the people who gave the award to you," Haasan said. The actor also said that instead of returning awards, artists and writers should make films or write articles to create awareness about the issues.

Kamal Haasan has received various awards in the past including Padma Shri in 1990 and four National Film Awards.