Chennai, Sunday 23 May 2010: He had earlier refused the invitation to participate in the upcoming IIFA extravaganza as a mark of protest against the alleged mistreatment of Tamils in Sri Lanka, but film icon Kamal Haasan said that he will not return the Padmasri award.

Responding to a demand made by a fringe pro-Sri Lankan Tamil group, ‘Mayseventeen Movement’ which also demanded his resignation as Chairman of FICCI Media Entertainment Business Conclave, Haasan said nothing could be achieved by returning the top civilian award.

The members held banners outside his residence today, demanding that he return the Padmasri.

“Top office-bearers of FICCI, including its President have acceded to my request to not attend the IIFA event (being held in Colombo this year).