Celebrated actor Aamir Khan expressed his worries on the authenticity and impartiality of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards at a news conference in Mumbai on March 9, 2025.
Renowned for his honest views and limited involvement in Bollywood’s extravagant events, Khan does not hold back when denouncing what he believes to be an award system bias.
Khan claims that often at the expense of actual artistic ability and creative narrative, the IIFA Awards give commercial successful films and well-known celebrities top priority.
His comments have sparked discussions in the film business on the honesty and openness of well-known award events.
Aamir Khan’s IIFA Awards Criticism
Aamir Khan underlined during the press event his conviction that the IIFA Awards give star power and box office results top priority, sometimes overshadowing the appreciation of films with special artistic worth.
Although mainstream movies get a lot of attention and praise, Khan said, independent films and initiatives motivated by depth and originality are sometimes disregarded.
Khan especially cited the lesser-known production Shadows of Silence, which attracted great critical praise for its creative narrative and strong performances, to support his point of view.
Though the movie was clearly lacking from the list of nominees and winners at the 2025 IIFA Awards, its artistic excellence and critical accolades notwithstanding.
Khan voiced dismay at this omission, implying that similar mistakes speak to a systematic inclination toward commercial viability above artistic excellence.
Khan’s comments speak to his long-standing mistrust of big award events. He has been outspoken for years about his worries about the lack of openness in award choices and the inclination to honor movies and performers depending more on box office performance than on artistic value.
His most recent remarks support his view that award ceremonies should take a more inclusive and balanced approach honoring actual talent in all spheres of Indian film.
A Silent Protest: Khan’s Missing from IIFA 2025
To highlight his unhappiness even more, Aamir Khan decided not to show up for the IIFA 2025 event, scheduled for March 8–9 in Jaipur.
Over the same weekend, Khan hosted a private viewing of his forthcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par, instead of attending the event. Many saw this choice as a subdued but strong protest against the current IIFA policies.
Khan made a strong statement about his criticism of the award system by deciding to concentrate on his own creative output instead of following the mainstream celebration.
His absence did not go unappreciated; it spurred debates on whether award events really represent creative quality or only serve popular tastes and powerful celebrities.
IIFA 2025: Celebrating Mainstream Success
Major prizes from popular, commercially successful films defined the IIFA 2025 event itself. With his portrayal in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, a film that delighted viewers with its mix of horror and comedy and had great box office success, Kartik Aaryan won the much sought-after Best Actor award.
Nitanshi Goel, meanwhile, took home the Best Actress trophy for her performance in Laapataa Ladies, a movie that also grabbed the coveted Best Picture title.
Though both movies were economically and critically successful, they reflected the kind of mainstream projects Aamir Khan questioned in his comments.
Although both insiders in the business and fans hailed these successes, Khan’s insightful remarks highlighted the lack of appreciation for independent, smaller films that challenge artistic limits.
A protracted history of doubt
It is not new that Aamir Khan objects to conventional award ceremonies. He has been known over time for challenging the validity of these channels. Especially, Khan has avoided going to award ceremonies since he claims they lack justice and openness.
His choice to separate himself from these events results from his conviction that awards should honor creative ability and original storytelling instead of being swayed by business success and industry contacts.
Khan’s posture also shows in his work decisions. Acting and directing, he has always sought projects that question accepted wisdom and provide provocative stories.
Movies like Lagaan, Taare Zameen Par, and Dangal not only had box office success but also won praise for their thematic depth and emotional relevance. Anticipated to follow in the same line, his most recent film, Sitaare Zameen Par, emphasizes on social issues and gripping narrative.
Industry responses and public dialogue
The remarks made by Aamir Khan have sparked a more general conversation in the film business on the standards and procedures controlling award choices.
Many directors, performers, and reviewers share his worries as mainstream award ceremonies sometimes give glamor and financial success first priority while neglecting to sufficiently honor artistic creativity.
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who supports independent film, has expressed similar worries in past years. In a recent interview, he said, “Award presentations ought to be a stage for honoring many perspectives and unusual narrative.
If we merely honor what is economically successful, we run the danger of undervaluing the very imagination behind the development of movies.
On social media, fans and movie buffs have also argued over Khan’s critique’s legitimacy. While some defend the IIFA Awards as a celebration of popular filmmaking that appeals to mass audiences, others contend that these venues have more to do to honor less-known films that challenge creative limits.
Calling for Change
The comments of Aamir Khan have strengthened demands for a more merit-based and inclusive recognition system inside the Indian film business. Critics contend that award ceremonies have to embrace openness and vary their choosing criteria if they are to remain credible.
This means making room for movies whose artistic quality, narrative power, and social significance make them significant even if they do not reach blockbuster appeal.
To guarantee that award decisions represent a thorough assessment of artistic quality, several industry experts propose the establishment of independent juries made of filmmakers, critics, and academics.
Others support certain genres honoring experimental films, first-time directors, and socially conscious storytelling.
Future View
Aamir Khan’s criticism of the IIFA Awards reminds us as the argument goes on that film awards should celebrate greatness in all its forms—not only what is popular or financially successful. His choice to skip the event and give his creative activities first priority shows his dedication to artistic integrity above business approval.
It remains to be seen whether Khan’s comments will result in real changes to the format of award events. But his voice joins a chorus of reformers asking the business to reconsider how it prizes and evaluates creative success.
In the always changing terrain of Indian film, the debate started by Aamir Khan’s criticism might eventually open the path for a more fair and inclusive appreciation of the craft of movie.
