
Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan has responded strongly after a journalist accused him of buying his first Best Actor award and using aggressive PR to stay relevant. The actor, who recently won the accolade for his role in I Want to Talk, stated that his achievement is the result of hard work—not tactics. His rebuttal has sparked debate across the film industry and among audiences in cities beyond Mumbai.
What triggered the controversy
A journalist took to social media stating that Abhishek’s award win was less about merit and more about “buying awards and aggressive PR pushes”. The accusation pointed to the actor’s career longevity and relatively modest box-office hits compared to his peers. The post claimed that other deserving actors were overlooked due to lack of promotional muscle.
The actor’s response
Abhishek, known for his composed public persona, issued a pointed reply. He clarified that no award has ever been bought by him, stating: “Just hard work, blood, sweat and tears.” He added that since the allegation questioned his integrity of more than 25 years of work, his best way to respond is through future efforts and performances.
Industry implications and public perception
The incident has rekindled discussions around award credibility, promotion practices and how recognition is negotiated in the film industry. In tier-2 cities such as Nagpur, Indore and Jaipur where cinema culture is vibrant, viewers often watch awards and debates from afar. Such controversies influence how audiences perceive both stars and award shows—heightening scepticism or support depending on one’s view.
What it means for actors and audiences
For actors, the episode underscores how achievements can be questioned even after decades of work. It signals that credibility and public perception matter just as much as craft. For audiences, especially those in smaller towns, it offers a reminder to evaluate performances independently from industry narrative and to engage critically with awards and accolades.
Conclusion
Abhishek Bachchan’s rebuttal to the “buying awards” claim is more than a personal defence—it reflects wider tensions in how talent, recognition and promotion intersect in Bollywood. The challenge now is for him to let work speak louder than words and for audiences to watch both performances and narratives with fresh eyes.