'Actors were...second-grade': Rajasthan government bashed over ₹100cr IIFA Awards budget
What's the story
A fresh controversy has emerged in Rajasthan after allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government spent over ₹100 crore on the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards ceremony.
The Congress party slammed the expenditure, asking why money was spent on a film awards function but not on major temples like Khatu Shyam Ji and Govind Dev Ji.
Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully also pointed out that no other top actor attended the function except Shah Rukh Khan.
Critique
Jully questions the benefits of IIFA to Rajasthan
Jully asked what Rajasthan gained from the IIFA Awards.
"Passes worth Rs 7 lakh were given out for free. It was the taxpayers' money. Mr Chief Minister, you people were busy clicking photos. The stars did not go to any tourist spots. Which big name came?"
"Apart from Shah Rukh Khan, everyone was second-grade," he claimed.
However, when someone pointed out Madhuri Dixit's name, he replied, "She is in second grade now. Her time is over."
Absence
Jully criticizes the absence of Sonu Nigam
Jully also slammed the state government for not inviting Sonu Nigam to the IIFA Awards.
"You called Sonu Nigam in 'Rajasthan Rising', but not here. Sonu Nigam should have been called. He sings well."
He said it shouldn't happen just because someone makes a suggestion, their path shouldn't be blocked.
This is probably in reference to Nigam's recent criticism of Sharma and other ministers for leaving his show midway in Jaipur.
Snub
Sonu Nigam expresses disappointment over IIFA snub
Nigam had voiced his discontent for being snubbed at the IIFA Awards 2025 despite the popularity of his song "Mere Dholna 3.0."
He wasn't even nominated for the Best Male Playback Singer award, which was won by Jubin Nautiyal.
Following this snub, Nigam posted a screenshot of the nominees' list on Instagram and thanked IIFA for following Rajasthan's bureaucracy sarcastically.