In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Hindi film industry, veteran producer and theatre owner Manoj Desai has alleged that Filmfare awards were once offered in exchange for financial favours. Desai specifically claimed that megastar Amitabh Bachchan refused such an offer, after which the Best Actor trophy went to Anil Kapoor, who allegedly agreed to bear the event's expenses.
The Alleged Offer to Amitabh Bachchan
Manoj Desai recounted the incident during an interview on a popular YouTube channel. He stated that during an award function, the late film writer Rauf Ahmed approached him with a proposition. Ahmed allegedly asked if Desai would cover the entire cost of the award ceremony party in return for giving the Best Actor award to Amitabh Bachchan. When Desai relayed this offer to Bachchan, the actor's response was swift and principled.
"I went to ask Amitabh Bachchan about the same, and he told me that 'Amitabh Bachchan doesn't buy awards'," Desai shared. The producer further quoted Bachchan as predicting the outcome, saying, "I know whom this award will go, it will go to Anil Kapoor and he has already organised a big party on the terrace of his house."
Anil Kapoor's Alleged Role and Factual Discrepancy
According to Manoj Desai's account, events unfolded exactly as Bachchan had foreseen. Anil Kapoor allegedly agreed to pay for the Filmfare party and subsequently won the Best Actor award that year. Desai initially linked this to Kapoor's performance in the 1987 blockbuster 'Mr India'.
However, historical records show a factual inconsistency in this claim. Anil Kapoor did not win the Filmfare Best Actor award for 'Mr India'. His first win in this category came two years later, in 1989, for the film 'Tezaab'. Intriguingly, the 1989 nominations saw Amitabh Bachchan nominated in the same category for his film 'Shahenshah', making the alleged context of competition between the two actors plausible for that year.
Dharmendra's Similar Stance and Legacy
Desai did not stop at Bachchan's story. He extended the narrative of integrity to another legendary actor, the late Dharmendra. The producer asserted that Dharmendra also "100% refused" similar offers to purchase awards. Desai recalled that Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24 at the age of 89, had even addressed this during his Lifetime Achievement award speech.
"He said in the speech that he deserved awards for many of his previous films but those awards were not given to him," Desai stated, highlighting the actor's long-held belief in earning accolades purely on merit. This shared principle reportedly formed a bond between Bachchan and Dharmendra, who were not only co-stars in the iconic 'Sholay' but also close friends off-screen.
The claims made by Manoj Desai have ignited a fresh debate about the transparency and ethics of award ceremonies in Bollywood's past. While they point to a specific era, these allegations compel a reflection on how artistic recognition is negotiated and perceived within the glamorous world of Indian cinema.
