Alia Bhatt Faces Backlash For Winning Filmfare Best Actress Award For 'Jigra', Fans Say, 'Not Fair'

The Filmfare Awards, established in 1954, are often regarded as the Indian equivalent of the Oscars. They have long been a benchmark of cinematic excellence, celebrating the best performances, direction, and technical brilliance in Hindi cinema. For decades, the black lady statuette has symbolised fame and artistic achievements. However, in recent years, questions about fairness, nepotism, and lobbying have overshadowed the award’s legacy. Many cinephiles feel that the awards have shifted from celebrating talent to honouring popularity and influence, a perception that has reignited after Alia Bhatt’s latest win.

Alia Bhatt’s sixth win sparks controversy

Alia Bhatt recently bagged her sixth Filmfare Best Actress Award for her performance in Jigra, a film that underperformed at the box office. While the actress has previously received praise for powerful roles in Udta Punjab, Raazi, Gully Boy, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, this particular win hasn’t gone down well with audiences. Many social media users expressed disbelief, calling the decision biased and undeserved. Discussions on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) exploded soon after the ceremony aired, with several posts questioning whether Jigra warranted such recognition.

Netizens call out ‘Favouritism’ and ‘Manufactured Stardom’

Online users didn’t hold back in their criticism. One user commented, “Alia is desperate for validation because deep down she knows nothing about her stardom feels earned. Everything, her wins, her films, the endless PR push is so carefully manufactured.” Another user wrote, “Alia Bhatt single-handedly made me a Filmfare hater. Does she really deserve these many awards?” Many argued that Jigra’s lukewarm reception and weak box office numbers make the win even more questionable.

More about Jigra

Directed by Vasan Bala, Jigra was expected to be a bold, emotional drama that would further solidify Alia Bhatt’s acting credentials. However, the film opened to just Rs 4.25 crore on its first day, her lowest opening in a decade. Despite being released during the festive Dussehra period, the movie failed to attract audiences. While critics appreciated Bhatt’s effort in certain scenes, the overall narrative and execution were deemed weak. Many industry watchers believe this performance did not merit the Best Actress title, especially when compared to more acclaimed performances by other actresses this year.

The backlash following Alia Bhatt’s Jigra win reflects a larger sentiment within the audience that award shows have become more about politics and connections than merit and artistry. While Bhatt remains one of Bollywood’s most successful and bankable stars, this controversy raises an uncomfortable question among fans, are awards like Filmfare still the gold standard of excellence, or have they become a mere formality in the world of celebrity-driven cinema?

What are your thoughts about Alia Bhatt's Filmfare win?

Also Read: 70th Filmfare Awards 2025 Winners, 'Laapataa Ladies' Won 13 Trophies And Alia Bhatt Won Best Actress

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