The latest Filmfare Awards have disappointed some netizens. People have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the winners and #BoycottFilmfareAwards has been trending on Twitter since Monday.
Some argue that the earthy song of the pro-Right Kesari should have been chosen over Gully Boy, which celebrates protest poetry against social inequity, others cried nepotism. Luckily, the war played out in social media that allows a democracy of opinions. Unluckily, it also gave vent to political biases.
While fans tweeted their ire, lyricist Manoj Muntashir declared that he is heartbroken over not winning an award for penning the heart-wrenching track Teri Mitti from Kesari. He took to Twitter to announce that he would not be attending any award ceremonies for the rest of his life. Manoj penned an emotional note, “Dear Awards, even if I try all my life, I won't be able to write a better line than Tu Kehti Thee Tera Chaand Hoon Main Aur Chaand Humesha Rahta Hai. You failed to honour the words which made millions of Indians cry and care for their motherland. It would be a great disrespect to my art if I still continue caring for you. So here I bid you a final good bye. I officially announce that I won't attend any award show till I breathe my last. Alvida.”
Netizens came up in support of him because Teri Mitti is a song that touched hearts of almost all Bollywood buffs, especially due to its lyrics. Commenting on his post, a user wrote, "@filmfare and @jiteshpillaai, you literally killed faith of many Indians and lyricist by not giving award to #TeriMitti. This song is best of the decade.”
The mood has been similar for many fans. Accusing the awards of propagating nepotism and awarding actors and filmmakers who are star kids, a user wrote, “They have to promote betis some renowned people Akhtar, Bhatt and Pandey. Nepotism rules in Bollywood. It’s so sad that quality cinema does not matter. #BoycottFilmfareAwards.”
Another user wrote, “Worst filmfare awards. Some splendid films were ignored. It was never expected from such a jury. Was it only to please the boss Karan Johar or Ranveer Singh. Teri Mitti song,
Super 30 film ignored. #BoycottFilmfareAwards. Another tweet reads, “#BoycottFilmfareAwards they simply ignored Sushant Singh Rajput who gave two powerful performances in Sonchiriya and Chhichhore. The songs of these films are far better than Gully Boy.