Abhishek Bachchan has finally received the recognition he long deserved by winning his first-ever Filmfare Best Actor Award in 2025 for Shoojit Sircar’s I Want To Talk. While fans celebrated his big win, not everyone was pleased. A journalist took to social media accusing him of buying the award and indulging in aggressive PR. But Abhishek’s calm yet sharp response to the allegation was nothing short of perfect, leaving the internet cheering appreciating him.
Journalist accuses Abhishek Bachchan of “buying awards” after his Filmfare win
A controversy erupted on social media after journalist Navneet Mundra took to platform X to question Abhishek Bachchan’s recent Filmfare Best Actor win for I Want To Talk. In a strongly worded post, Mundra claimed that Abhishek’s award was the result of “buying awards” and “aggressive PR pushes.” He wrote,
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“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.”
He then accused how Abhishek’s movie was only watched by paid reviewers,
“He won an award for I Want To Talk 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 !!”
He concluded his post by saying that there were several other actors far more deserving of the award than Abhishek Bachchan.,
“There are far better actors than him who deserve more recognition, work, appreciation & awards…. but alas! They don’t have PR smarts & money. #FilmfareAwards2025 #ShoojitSircar”
These harsh remarks quickly sparked debate online. While some agreed that film awards are often influenced by publicity, many felt the journalist’s comments were unnecessarily personal and dismissive of Abhishek’s hard work.
Check it out,
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.
He won an award for #IWantToTalk this… pic.twitter.com/bMLdiMYIen
— Navneet Mundhra (@navneet_mundhra) October 29, 2025
The post quickly gained traction, prompting Abhishek to respond himself.
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Abhishek Bachchan gives a perfect reply to the accusations made by the journalist
Abhishek Bachchan chose not to stay silent when journalist Navneet Mundra accused him of “buying awards” and doing “aggressive PR” to stay relevant. In a calm yet powerful manner, he addressed the allegations directly on social media.
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Abhishek wrote,
“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”.”
Instead of lashing out or getting defensive, Abhishek’s response reflected maturity and confidence. He didn’t just defend his award, he defended his years of dedication and struggle in the film industry.
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Have a look,
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
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After Abhishek’s post, Navneet Mundra attempted to clarify his stance. He claimed his remarks were not meant as a personal attack and wrote,
“Have ALWAYS written laudatory things about your conduct and many a time about your films/acting too, sir. And opinions are always reserved for work, never about someone’s character or personal life. 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. PS: Will always maintain you’re perhaps the most well-behaved actor of this generation. Best, always!”
Check it out,
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…
— Navneet Mundhra (@navneet_mundhra) October 29, 2025
However, Abhishek wasn’t convinced by the sudden change in tone and decided to address the contradiction in the journalist’s words.
Responding again, Abhishek firmly wrote,
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“Accusing and alleging that I “buy” awards and do “aggressive PR pushes, to stay relevant” seems pretty personal to me, sir. Not fair to so easily tarnish, and that too incorrectly and frivolously, someone’s hard work for over 25yrs. Expect a great degree of responsibility from an editor and journalist. Which I am sad to note, you haven’t displayed in this case. Thank you for your laudatory writings about my conduct and work on occasion. Will work towards making that a constant for you.”
Have a look,
Accusing and alleging that I “buy” awards and do “aggressive PR pushes, to stay relevant” seems pretty personal to me, sir.
Not fair to so easily tarnish, and that too incorrectly and frivolously, someone’s hard work for over 25yrs. Expect a great degree of responsibility from…— Abhishek (@juniorbachchan) October 29, 2025
His reply was polite yet piercing, a clear reminder that success built on sincerity doesn’t need validation. In just a few lines, Abhishek managed to silence criticism, uphold his dignity, and remind everyone that hard work speaks louder than any accusation ever could.
Here is how netizens reacted to the viral tweet
The tweet has so far accumulated over 388K views. Netizens took to the comment section of the tweet and reacted in myriad ways. Have a look at some worth-checking-out comments,
He is a good actor and has the courage to pick up realistic and challenging roles that accentuate his flaws unlike many his sebiors who use technology to hide theirs.
Let’s give it to the man, ya. He has worked very hard to come out of that legendary father’s tall shadow.
(…
— Gee (@MusingGee) October 29, 2025
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I think @juniorbachchan‘s acting was really good in Guru. Very impressive.
— Pranav Mahajan (@pranavmahajan) October 30, 2025
I haven’t seen this movie. But if you believe an award should be given based on commercial success then you’re part of the problem.
— His Excellency Shri Shri Raj (@kianraj) October 29, 2025
I don’t think awards are given on basis of box office performance.
— Ankit Jain (@indiantweeter) October 29, 2025
Bhai tu hai kaun… aur tujhe janta kaun hai. Kisi bade ko target karo taki thodi lime light miljaye
Kuch sharam kar bhai
— Desi Satoshi (@TheMayDayBoy) October 29, 2025
You said “only paid reviewers” saw the film — so you admit you haven’t watched it. Then how are you passing judgments? That’s not criticism, that’s hypocrisy. Disgraceful.
— Brijesh Mishra (@BijjuHindustani) October 29, 2025
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He acted brilliantly in the movie. Watched it on Amazon prime. Completely deserves the award
— Kaushik Banerjee (@kaushikbanerje5) October 29, 2025
What are your thoughts on the response made by Abhishek Bachchan? Have you watched I Want To Talk? Do share via the comments below.
