The 70th Filmfare Awards brought Bollywood glamour to Gujarat for the first time, celebrating cinematic brilliance while spotlighting the growing synergy between business and entertainment
Our Bureau
Mumbai / Bengaluru
The 70th Filmfare Awards 2025 turned Ahmedabad’s EKA Arena into a dazzling confluence of stars, creativity, and commerce on Sunday night. The grand event — marking the first time Filmfare was hosted in Gujarat — celebrated the best of Hindi cinema while underlining how India’s entertainment industry is evolving into a powerful part of its cultural economy.
From the moment the red carpet rolled out, it was clear this edition of the Filmfare Awards was about more than just trophies. Icons like Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Kajol, and Karan Johar mingled with industrialists and creative leaders, reflecting how cinema now intersects with business, branding, and innovation in new and dynamic ways.
Among the prominent names from the business world was Dr. Rohit More, Chairman of Aristocrat Rainwear and Just School Enterprise, and Director at Dollar Garments. Known for his extensive collaborations with Bollywood stars, Dr. More’s presence captured the growing interplay between India’s corporate sector and its creative industries. Speaking at the event, he remarked, “Industries are converging. Business leaders today engage with creativity and culture in ways that go beyond commerce.”
His comment resonated with the mood of the evening. Observers noted that such collaborations — from brand campaigns with actors to joint cultural initiatives — are redefining the boundaries between enterprise and entertainment. As India’s film sector expands globally, its partnerships with business leaders are helping to shape a new, integrated cultural economy.
A Night of Emotion
While the event dazzled with performances and glitz, the emotional highlight of the evening came from Abhishek Bachchan, who won his first-ever Best Actor (Male) award in a 25-year-long career. The win, for his moving performance in I Want to Talk, drew a standing ovation from the audience.
Visibly overwhelmed, Abhishek took to the stage with moist eyes and a trembling voice. “This year marks 25 years in the film industry, and I cannot remember how many times I’ve practised a speech for this award,” he said. “Receiving it in front of my family makes it even more special.”
In a heartfelt moment, he dedicated the award to his wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya, whose unwavering support, he said, had anchored him through years of struggle and self-doubt. “To Aishwarya and Aaradhya, thank you for allowing me to go out and follow my dreams. I hope that by winning this award, they see that their sacrifices have been one of the main reasons I stand here today,” he said, his words met with applause and teary smiles across the arena.
Abhishek also paid tribute to his father, legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, calling him “my hero,” alongside his daughter, “my other hero.” The powerful father-daughter theme echoed poignantly with I Want to Talk — a film about a Bengali man who, upon learning he has just 100 days to live, tries to rebuild his bond with his estranged young daughter. Directed by Shoojit Sircar, the film was hailed for its emotional depth and understated storytelling.
Beyond cinematic triumphs, the 2025 Filmfare Awards reflected how the business of entertainment is expanding in India. The participation of figures like Dr. More underlined the blending of creative and commercial worlds. Many companies are now collaborating with actors and filmmakers not only for product endorsements but also for social causes and educational initiatives.
According to industry watchers, such partnerships signify a new phase in India’s cultural economy — one where creativity, entrepreneurship, and social impact intersect. Filmfare’s decision to host the ceremony in Ahmedabad also highlighted Gujarat’s growing status as a hub for film production, events, and cultural innovation.
A Celebration of Craft
Since its inception in 1954, the Filmfare Awards have stood as a benchmark for excellence in Indian cinema. The 2025 edition continued that legacy with categories spanning acting, direction, music, production design, and technical achievements. Winners were selected through a mix of jury evaluation and audience votes, ensuring a balance between critical acclaim and popular appreciation.
The evening also featured electrifying performances and touching tributes to cinematic legends. Stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol paid homage to late filmmakers and actors whose contributions continue to inspire generations. The stage came alive with music, dance, and multimedia showcases celebrating 70 years of Filmfare — a milestone that, fittingly, coincided with the evolving landscape of Indian entertainment itself.
As the night drew to a close with confetti, applause, and camera flashes, it became evident that the 70th Filmfare Awards were more than a celebration of movies. They were a reflection of how Indian cinema, powered by talent, technology, and cross-industry collaboration, continues to redefine storytelling for a new era.
