The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, held in Abu Dhabi, saw Shah Rukh Khan emerge as the Best Actor for his performance in the action-packed ‘Jawan.’ The charismatic Khan, who also hosted the event, expressed his gratitude, stating, “It’s good to be back. I’m extremely grateful for this award. I love awards, I’m greedy about awards…I’m genuinely back and I’m really happy to end the year like this…” While ‘Jawan’ was undoubtedly a massive hit last year, it was the Ranbir Kapoor-led ‘Animal’ that took home the prestigious Best Picture award, causing a stir among fans.
‘Animal’ also swept several other categories, with Anil Kapoor winning the Best Supporting Actor award and Bobby Deol receiving recognition for Best Actor in a Negative Role. Kapoor, who celebrated his 42nd birthday on Saturday, missed the award ceremony to spend the special day with his family. The film’s music director, Pritam, along with collaborators Vishal Mishra, Manan Bhardwaj, Shreyas Puranik, Jaani, Bhupinder Babbal, Ashim Kemson, and Harshavardhan Rameshwar, were also awarded for their exceptional work. Babbal further solidified his success by winning the Best Playback Singer (Male) award for his song “Arjan Vailly” and the Best Lyrics award for “Satranga,” both from ‘Animal.’
Despite SRK’s lively performance with Vicky Kaushal on Karan Aujla’s “Tauba Tauba,” fans seem less than thrilled with his Best Actor win. Social media platforms buzzed with discussions and disagreements after the award announcement. One user expressed their bewilderment, writing on X, “What is logic to give best film award to #animal and best actor award to #ShahRukhKhan for jawan. I was never interested in these bollywood awards but this level of chapri.” Another user echoed similar sentiments, stating, “#Srk getting best actor award instead of #RanbirKapoor𓃵 is totally wrong in jawan srk was in his usual style Ntg new but in #Animal ranbir has given his one of the best performance.” A video of SRK receiving the award sparked further debate with a user commenting, “Even his performance in pathaan was better than Jawan. Also how can you give him best actor award when Ranbir in Animal & Vikrant in 12th fail literally exist.”
However, the positive reception to Bobby Deol’s award was evident. “Guys you need to watch this BEST ACTOR IN A NEGATIVE ROLE #BOBBYDEOL He had tears in his eyes, and then fans went crazy on something,” one fan wrote on social media. While the IIFA Awards undoubtedly celebrated the best of Indian cinema, the debate surrounding the Best Actor and Best Picture winners is sure to continue, reflecting the passionate and diverse opinions within the film industry and its dedicated fanbase.
