Alia Bhatt's recent Filmfare win for Best Actress for her performance in "Jigra" has ignited a flurry of reactions on social media, with many questioning her victory. The 70th Filmfare Awards ceremony, held on October 11th at EKA Arena, Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad, saw Bhatt's name announced as the winner, but the response has been far from universally celebratory.
The actress was not present at the event, with Karan Johar accepting the award on her behalf, a detail that further fueled online discussions. Social media platforms have been abuzz with comments questioning whether the award was truly deserved, with some users suggesting other actresses were more deserving of the honor.
Bhatt addressed the win and the reactions in a recent Instagram post. "This one will always stay closest to my heart… not just for the story we told, but for the incredible people who gave it life," she wrote, expressing gratitude to director Vasan Bala and the cast, including Vedang Raina, Vivek Gomber, and Manoj Pahwa. She also thanked Filmfare for the honor and everyone who connected with the film.
Acknowledging her absence from the ceremony, Bhatt stated, "I wish I could've been there to hold that moment in person, but my heart is full all the same". She also expressed appreciation for Karan Johar, Dharma Movies, and Eternal Sunshine Production for their collaboration on the film and thanked her sister, Shaheen Bhatt, for her support.
Despite the backlash, many fans have come to Bhatt's defense, praising her performance in "Jigra" and highlighting her consistent track record of strong performances in films like "Highway" and "Gully Boy". Some have argued that the negative reactions are unwarranted and overshadow the actress's hard work and dedication to her craft.
"Jigra," directed by Vasan Bala, is a thriller that features Bhatt in the lead role. The film has been described as a story close to Bhatt's heart, featuring her as the protector of her brother.
The Filmfare Awards also recognized other talents, with "Laapataa Ladies" winning Best Film and securing a total of 13 awards. Abhishek Bachchan and Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) award. Veteran actress Zeenat Aman and the late Shyam Benegal were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
