"buying awards and aggressive PR pushes can keep you relevant"
Abhishek Bachchan fired back at a social media user after they accused him of buying his recent Filmfare Best Actor award.
The actor won his first Filmfare Award for his performance in Shoojit Sircar’s I Want To Talk, which was released in 2024.
Navneet Mundhra, whose X bio states that he is a journalist, shared a photo of Abhishek from the event and wrote:
“As much as he’s an affable guy, I hate to say that professionally, Abhishek Bachchan 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.
“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!!
“There are far better actors than him who deserve more recognition, work, appreciation and awards… but alas! They don’t have PR smarts and money.”
The tweet went viral and attracted Abhishek’s attention.
Not holding back, Abhishek hit out at Navneet’s comments and 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’.”
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 ???????? (@juniorbachchan) October 29, 2025
Fans defended the actor, as one wrote:
“For a lot of folks, box-office collection is the main driver. But people who understand real art know that it is not the only parameter to judge an artist.”
Another added: “Whoever saw that movie will not have even a pinch of hesitation or concern seeing you win that award.”
Navneet replied to Abhishek, insisting there was “no malice” behind his comments.
His tweet read: “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. Genuinely wish to see you more in mainstream movies in prominent roles. Best, always.”
Although I Want To Talk struggled commercially, it earned critical acclaim for its emotional depth.
Abhishek Bachchan portrayed a father battling cancer. While undergoing a life-altering surgery, he tries to navigate a complex relationship with his daughter that dates back to her childhood.
His performance was described as one of his most mature performances to date.
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