Shocking as it may sound, this year’s most popular film, Dangal, missed out on the popular awards because of its influential, autocratic leading man. Aamir Khan’s resolve not to participate in any of the multitudinous awards remains unchanged over the years. No matter how high the chances of his film winning awards, Aamir won’t attend. Period. But here’s the downside of Aamir’s idealism.
As producer, Aamir won’t let the rest of the team attend either. That is why Raj Kumar Hirani’s PK (which was produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra) won awards without Aamir’s participation or presence. Recently, the Dangal team had to grind its teeth in frustration while watching less deserving films like Udta Punjab, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil walk away with the awards.
A source from the Dangal team says it was expected. “We all knew it would be eligible for tonnes of awards and we were all prepared not to participate. We know that Aamir doesn’t attend or accept popular awards. And Dangal is his baby. Why should any of us feel sorry about it?”
However, an actor who has worked with Aamir feels it is unfair to keep the whole team out. “It’s like the patriarch who won’t attend a party and won’t let his children attend either. Why should the Dangal team that slogged over the film miss out on their moment of glory? Dangal may be Aamir’s umpteenth triumph, but it is director Nitesh Tiwary’s first big break. It’s a little unfair. Woody Allen never attends awards, but that doesn’t stop his actors and technicians from enjoying the attention and recognition.” Says writer-lyricist Prasoon Joshi, who a close associate of Aamir, “To accept or not is a personal decision. I have always known Aamir to have extreme clarity of thought and intent, and I’ll always respect his decisions.” Subhash Ghai also defends Aamir’s decision to boycott awards, “Aamir looks for credibility in the awards. That quality is lacking in the popular Indian awards.”
