"Actually, it was quite gratifying."
The upcoming 2025 Filmfare Awards announced their nominations on September 26, 2025.
This ceremony will be the magazine’s 70th ceremony and will be hosted by Karan Johar on October 11.
Every year, Bollywood stars dress up in their glitz and glamour to receive coveted prizes for their work.
However, there is one Indian actor who has made no secret of his disdain for Indian award ceremonies, including Filmfare.
That actor is none other than Aamir Khan, who has shunned the award magazine since the early 1990s.
Aamir Khan made his cinematic debut as a leading man in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988).
For the first few years of his career, Aamir enthusiastically attended the Filmfare Awards.
However, as the late 1980s progressed into the dawn of the 1990s, Aamir began to distance himself from the organisation, as well as other award platforms.
It has been rumoured that Aamir was displeased by Filmfare over not being recognised for his performances in movies including Dil (1990), Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992), and Rangeela (1995).
He is often asked why he took this decision. In an interview, he cryptically said:
“Time is precious. You should use it wisely!”
Since Aamir, other actors including Ajay Devgn, Kangana Ranaut, and Yami Gautam Dhar have also slammed Indian award shows.
When the 70th Filmfare Awards announced their nominations, Aamir’s production, Laapataa Ladies (2023) ruled the roost with a leading 24 nominations.
The film was directed by Aamir’s ex-wife Kiran Rao and was produced under the Aamir Khan Productions banner.
The social media handles of Aamir’s company shared these nominations with gusto.
However, given that Aamir does not associate himself with the platform, it is questionable why this happened.
It could just be an opportunity for the film to gain more appreciation and recognition.
Furthermore, appreciating the nominations could connect with the audience members who are excited for the ceremony.
It is notable that at the 2025 IIFA Awards, Laapataa Ladies won a leading ten trophies.
Most of the recipients were present – all except Aamir Khan.
In an interview, Kiran Rao reflected upon the IIFA victories for her film.
She enthused: “It was fun.
“Actually, it was quite gratifying because I think my whole team was there and having everyone on stage with me, or even those in the audience just felt like we were sharing the limelight together.”
This could suggest that while Aamir does not see the merit in winning these awards, it isn’t an issue if his colleagues do.
Aamir has also associated and involved himself when his work is in the running for the Academy Awards.
His film Lagaan (2001) the third and currently the latest picture to be shortlisted for ‘Best Foreign Language Film’.
Laapataa Ladies was India’s official entry for the category in the 2025 Oscars, but did not make the shortlist.
In a 2009 interview, Aamir was asked why he interacts with the Oscars, while ignoring Indian award ceremonies.
He replied: “As a marketing tool, I want to use the Oscars.
“People who usually would not even know about Lagaan saw the film because it was nominated at the Oscars.”
While Aamir Khan may be disinterested in the Filmfare Awards, it remains admirable that he does not stop others who wish to gain recognition.
Despite not attending the ceremony, Aamir has currently won nine Filmfare Awards.
These include ‘Best Actor’ trophies for Raja Hindustani (1996), Lagaan, and Dangal (2016).
We wish Laapataa Ladies and all the other nominees the very best of luck at the 2025 Filmfare Awards.
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