Bollywood actress Vidya Balan on Thursday firmly refused to return back her National Award as it is an honour bestowed upon her by the Nation and not by the Government.

Vidya took this decision to not return the award whilst some of the eminent film personalities are returning their National Awards in solidarity with FTII students and against what they called growing intolerance in the country.

Vidya stood firm by her decision and said, "This honour (the award) is by the nation and not the government. So I do not want to return it."

Bollywood personalities which include the likes of Dibakar Banerjee said their decision to return the awards was taken in view of the apathy displayed by the government in addressing the issues raised by the FTII students and the 'general environment of intolerance' against debate.

On the other hand Vidya Balan feels that working towards social causes should be an individual decision and refused to return back her award.