The recent Filmfare Awards, the 69th edition, sparked controversy, especially in the Best Actress category. Alia Bhatt’s victory for her role in “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” has stirred debate rather than joy. Fans and critics, expressing their dissatisfaction on social media, argue that Alia’s win was undeserved. Many believe that Rani Mukerji, with her powerful performance in “Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway,” deserved the award for portraying a mother’s heartfelt struggle against an entire country.
As discussions around Alia’s win continue, this controversy isn’t isolated. There have been instances in the past when talented actors were seemingly overlooked for more popular stars. Here are 10 such instances where many felt that awards favored popularity over genuine talent.
1. Ananya Pandey: Best Debut for Student of the Year 2
In 2020, Ananya Panday won the Best Female Debut Award for her role in Student Of The Year 2. However, some people disagreed on whether she was the right choice. At the same time, Ankita Lokhande’s debut in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi sparked discussions about whether the award decision was appropriate.
2. Kajol: Best Actress for Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham
In 2001, Chandni Bar directed by Madhur Bhandarkar was widely regarded as the best Bollywood film, and Tabu’s outstanding performance deserved the Best Actress award. However, to everyone’s disappointment, the award went to Kajol for K3G. Tabu was undoubtedly the standout performer of the year.
3. Sara Ali Khan: Best Debut for Kedarnath
In 2019, Sara Ali Khan was honored with the Best Female Debut Award for Kedarnath. However, some believed there were more deserving actresses that year. Radhika Madan showcased her talent in Pataakha, and Gitanjali Rao delivered a compelling debut in October.
4. Alia Bhatt: Best Actress for Gully Boy
Even in year 2020, Filmfare’s decision to award Alia Bhatt the best actress for “Gully Boy” was met with criticism, deeming it both demeaning and disappointing, especially for Alia herself. The controversy stems from Alia winning in a category where powerful performances by Rani Mukerji, Priyanka Chopra, and Vidya Balan were overlooked. Furthermore, Alia’s role as Safeena in “Gully Boy” is perceived by many as more of an extended cameo or supporting role, raising questions about the rationale behind the award.
5. Twinkle Khanna: Best Debut for Barsaat
From 1990 to 2020, the Best Female Debut award was not presented on three occasions. However, in 1996, Twinkle Khanna received the award for her lackluster performance in Barsaat. Many believed that Filmfare should have refrained from granting any award that year, considering the performance fell short of expectations.
6. Rishi Kapoor: Best Actor for Bobby
Rishi Kapoor secured the Best Actor Award for his debut film Bobby, but some felt his performance, while okay, wasn’t truly deserving. Especially considering he won over strong contenders like Amitabh Bachchan for Zanjeer and Dharmendra for Yaadon Ki Baarat.
7. Vidya Balan: Best Actress for Tumhari Salu
Despite Vidya Balan winning for Tumhari Sulu, many thought Sridevi deserved it more for Mom. Several people felt Filmfare should have refrained from giving any award as the performance wasn’t considered up to the mark.
8. Karishma Kapoor: Best Actress for Raja Hindustani
Although Karishma Kapoor won the Filmfare Best Actress award for Raja Hindustani, many felt that Tabu’s outstanding performance in Maachis was far more deserving of the accolade.
9. Sooraj Pancholi: Best Debut for Hero
At the 2016 Filmfare Awards, it surprised many Bollywood enthusiasts when Sooraj Pancholi received the Best Male Debut award for the film Hero. Despite an outstanding debut performance by Vicky Kaushal in Masaan that year, deserving of the award, it went to Sooraj, leaving fans taken aback.
10. Alia Bhatt for Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahanii
Alia Bhatt securing the Best Actress award for “Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahanii,” despite Rani Mukerji’s undeniable brilliance in “Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway,” raises concerns about the authenticity of these awards. When outstanding performances go unrecognized, it prompts the question of why awards are given in the first place. Appreciating undeserving performances not only impacts the actors negatively but also detrimentally affects the film industry as a whole as it breeds a culture of mediocrity.
Also Read: Times When Fans Felt Nepotism Won Debut Awards
What do you think about the Filmfare Awards? Do these awards hold any reference in the current era? Tell us in the comments below.
