Aditya Dhar’s film Dhurandhar made a significant impact at the Screen Awards 2026 in Mumbai, taking home a remarkable 14 trophies, including the Best Actor award for Ranveer Singh. Interestingly, both Singh and director Dhar were notably absent from the ceremony, which drew attention from fellow filmmaker Rahul Dholakia.
Dholakia expressed his disappointment on social media, specifically targeting the low attendance of nominees and winners at the awards event. He highlighted that many attendees often know in advance about their wins but choose not to participate. His comments suggested a sense of disconnection among those within the film fraternity.
“Extremely disappointed (not surprised) that most people who were nominated for, and also won the awards did not show up to accept,” Dholakia stated. The director articulated that the Screen Awards aimed to do something distinct, which required support that was lacking from the admired celebrities in attendance. He noted a sentiment shared by many in the industry regarding the values of camaraderie and mutual support.
In addition to Dhurandhar‘s successes, Yami Gautam, Aditya’s wife and an acclaimed actor, received the Best Actress award for her role in the courtroom drama Haq. However, she also did not attend the event to receive her accolade.
While Dholakia did not name any specific individuals in his critique, social media users quickly speculated that he was addressing both Dhar and Singh. Defending the absence of the Dhurandhar team, some commentators pointed out that many prominent figures in Bollywood also choose not to attend such ceremonies.
One user noted the hypocrisy of critiquing those who opt out of award shows, mentioning that many renowned actors do not attend. Another comment praised Dhurandhar for its competitive edge in the film landscape, suggesting that its success negated the need for participation in award functions.
Critics of the awards emphasized their frustration over the industry’s treatment of films, claiming that artists end up attending awards only when their works receive praise. This perception has led to a broader discussion about the values of recognition in the film sector.
Dhurandhar not only secured numerous awards but also reached commercial acclaim, with audience reception confirming its success. The awards showcased Dhar’s recognition as Best Director and highlighted the film’s achievements in various technical categories, further solidifying its place in the cinematic landscape.
Overall, the Screen Awards 2026 celebrated significant achievements in the industry, even amidst the controversies surrounding attendance and support for lesser-known films. The discussions following the event underscore the ongoing dialogue about integrity and authenticity in Bollywood’s award culture.