At the 2024 IIFA Awards, held at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the biggest winners of the night were Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Bobby Deol, who took home the prestigious Best Actor awards for their performances in Jawan and Animal, respectively. The glitzy event was filled with excitement and grandeur, but not without its share of controversies. Social media was ablaze after the announcement, with a section of fans expressing disappointment that Ranbir Kapoor, who starred in Animal, was not recognized as Best Actor. This sparked a fierce debate online, with many voicing their discontent under the hashtag “DeservingTohRanbirTha.”
Shah Rukh Khan’s Triumph for Jawan
Shah Rukh Khan, fondly known as the “King of Bollywood,” was awarded Best Actor for his role in Jawan, a film that broke box office records and captivated audiences worldwide. Directed by Atlee, Jawan portrays Khan in a dual role, showcasing his versatility in both an emotional father figure and an action-packed vigilante. The film was praised for its larger-than-life sequences, social commentary, and Khan’s impeccable performance, which once again affirmed his place at the top of Bollywood’s hierarchy
Khan, who has had a successful year with back-to-back hits (Pathaan being another), was overjoyed as he accepted the award. He dedicated the win to his fans and the cast and crew of Jawan, crediting them for their hard work and support throughout the project. His win, however, was not without its detractors. While the majority of his fanbase celebrated his victory, some questioned the fairness of the award, particularly in light of the strong competition from other actors.
Bobby Deol’s Comeback with Animal
Bobby Deol, whose career has seen a resurgence in recent years, was another big winner, taking home the award for Best Actor in a Negative Role for his portrayal in Animal. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal was a gritty, emotional drama that showcased Deol in a morally complex role. His performance earned critical acclaim, and many hailed it as his best work to date.
Deol’s win was a celebration of his career revival. After struggling for many years to find impactful roles, his work in Animal and other recent projects have earned him renewed respect and admiration in the industry. His award was largely well-received, with fans of Animal celebrating his achievement. Deol himself was humbled by the recognition, stating that he owed his success to the faith of his director and the support of his family
The Controversy: ‘Deserving Toh Ranbir Tha’
Despite the glamorous celebrations, a cloud of discontent loomed over the awards, especially among fans of Ranbir Kapoor. The star was expected by many to win the Best Actor award for his role in Animal, a film where Kapoor delivered a raw, emotional performance as a troubled son navigating a complex relationship with his father. Kapoor’s performance was praised for its depth and intensity, and he was considered a front-runner for the award
When the award went to Shah Rukh Khan instead, Kapoor’s fans took to social media to express their frustration. Twitter was flooded with posts under the hashtag “DeservingTohRanbirTha,” where fans argued that Kapoor’s portrayal in Animal was far superior and deserving of recognition. Many felt that while Khan’s Jawan was a commercial success, Kapoor’s nuanced acting in Animal was far more deserving of the Best Actor honor.
One user tweeted, “Ranbir Kapoor gave the performance of his career in Animal, but the industry politics is too strong. Deserving toh Ranbir tha!” Another echoed similar sentiments: “SRK is a legend, no doubt. But let’s not overlook Ranbir’s brilliance just because Jawan was a box office hit.”
This uproar sparked a broader conversation about how awards are determined, with many fans accusing the industry of favoring box-office performances over artistic merit. However, others pointed out that Shah Rukh Khan’s win was well-earned given his remarkable portrayal in Jawan, which tackled multiple social themes and saw him stepping out of his usual romantic hero persona.
A Night of Mixed Reactions
Despite the controversy, the 2024 IIFA Awards were an event filled with celebration and iconic performances. The night saw several other notable wins, including Rani Mukerji winning Best Actress for her role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway, a performance that also earned widespread acclaim
Meanwhile, Animal did not go unrecognized, as it won Best Film and earned multiple accolades in other categories, including Best Supporting Actor for Anil Kapoor and Best Negative Role for Bobby Deol
Adding to the fanfare were the performances by Bollywood’s biggest stars. Shah Rukh Khan, who also co-hosted the event alongside Vicky Kaushal, took to the stage to perform a series of dance numbers, much to the delight of the audience. His impromptu dance with Kaushal on the song “Tauba Tauba” became one of the highlights of the night. Additionally, performances by Kriti Sanon, Janhvi Kapoor, and veteran actress Rekha kept the energy levels high throughout the event
The Bigger Picture
Awards shows in Bollywood are often accompanied by discussions about fairness and transparency. The 2024 IIFA Awards were no different, with the Ranbir Kapoor controversy highlighting the deeply invested nature of Bollywood fandoms. These fanbases are passionate and vocal, and their reactions underscore the emotional connection they feel with their favorite stars.
In the end, while Shah Rukh Khan and Bobby Deol took home the trophies, the conversation surrounding Ranbir Kapoor’s exclusion from the Best Actor category speaks to the subjective nature of awards. Kapoor’s fans continue to rally behind him, hopeful that future award shows will give him the recognition they believe he deserves.
As for the stars, Shah Rukh Khan remains at the pinnacle of Bollywood, while Bobby Deol’s resurgence as a powerful actor continues to unfold. And though Ranbir Kapoor missed out on the top award this time, his performance in Animal has undoubtedly left a lasting impact, ensuring that his name remains in the conversation for years to come.
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