Abhishek Bachchan’s dignified response to troll claiming he ‘bought’ his debut Filmfare Award, 'I’ll prove you wrong'

After a journey spanning 25 years in cinema, Abhishek Bachchan finally earned his first Filmfare Best Actor (Male) award at the 70th Filmfare Awards 2025 for his heartfelt performance in I Want To Talk. The win was not just a professional victory but a deeply emotional moment for the actor, who has long been praised for his dedication yet often underrated in terms of recognition.

Related Story: Abhishek Bachchan wins his debut Filmfare Best Actor Award, thanks wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

However, what should have been a time of celebration recently turned into a social media storm.

When Celebration Met Controversy

Navneet Mundhra (Trade analyst and journalist) took to X (formerly Twitter) to question the authenticity of Abhishek’s win.

His post started with, “As much as he's an affable guy, I hate to say that professionally #AbhishekBachchan is the prime example of how buying awards and aggressive PR pushes can keep you relevant... even if you don't have a single SOLO blockbuster in your career.” (sic)

Further he wrote, “He won an award for #IWantToTalk this year... A film which no one saw apart from a few PAID reviewers. And now I see all these tweets saying 2025 is HIS year. HILARIOUS!!” (sic)

He also added that “far better actors” deserved more appreciation and awards but lacked “PR smarts & money.”

Abhishek’s Graceful Yet Firm Reply

Abhishek Bachchan, known for handling criticism with composure, chose to respond, but in his signature calm and classy way.

Junior Bachchan replied, “Just to set the record straight. Never has any award been bought or aggressive PR been done by me. Just hard work, blood, sweat and tears. But, doubt you’ll believe anything I say or write. So…. Best way to shut you up is by working even harder so that you don’t ever doubt any achievement that will happen in the future, again. I will prove you wrong! With all due respect and ‘affability’.” (sic)

Just to set the record straight. Never has any award been bought or aggressive PR been done by me . Just hard work, blood, sweat and tears. But, doubt you’ll believe anything I say or write. So…. Best way to shut you up is by working even harder so that you don’t ever doubt any…

— Abhishek 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧 (@juniorbachchan) October 29, 2025

His message resonated widely with fans, who lauded him for his dignity and focus - turning negativity into motivation.

The Exchange Ends on a Civil Note

Soon after, Mundhra clarified that his comments were not meant to be personal, replying, “Have ALWAYS written laudatory things about your conduct and many a time about your films/acting too, sir. What I wrote about this film is a subjective opinion. No malice intended. As for awards, I won't hold brief for them :-)” (sic)

He ended his clarification by writing, “Genuinely wish to see you more in mainstream movies in prominent roles. Best, always.” (sic)

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About I Want To Talk

Directed by Shoojit Sircar, I Want To Talk tells the touching story of a terminally ill father striving to reconnect with his estranged daughter. Inspired by true events, the film features Abhishek Bachchan, Jayant Kriplani, and Ahilya Bamroo in pivotal roles. The performance earned Abhishek widespread praise for its emotional depth and authenticity — making his Filmfare win feel more than justified.